Life can feel pretty stressful at times! Whether its meeting deadlines, paying bills, juggling work, or supporting whānau, we all experience stress as part of our modern lives.

Until recently, it was thought that stress was bad for us and that removing all stress from our lives was vital for staying healthy and well. We now know differently.

Studies have shown that it’s not so much about experiencing stress but how we view it that matters. People who view stress as a good thing can actually change their stress response to be healthier!

How to change your view of stress:

Welcome stress! When your pulse quickens, breathing increases and hormones surge – pause and think – this is my body giving me extra strength and energy to cope with what’s in front of me! It is helping me to rise to the next challenge!
Make a plan and seek support. Stress encourages us to reach out to others – and this is a good thing. Sharing how you feel with others, and asking for support, helps us recover from stress faster.
Make time to take time out. The benefits of taking time out are decreased stress and tension, deeper relaxation, and more energy. You'll also think more clearly after a short break.

Bad Stress

Of course, not all stress is good for us! Chronic stress (when you repeatedly face stressors), can take a heavy toll on the body and cause negative health effects. If you are experiencing this type of stress, it is important to reach out to others. Confide in family and friends or turn to someone professional.

Take some time to reflect on what causes stress in your life. What can you control and what can be reduced, stopped, or changed to take some pressure off?

Top tips for managing stress

Eating a wide range of foods, mostly plant foods, gives your body the nutrients it needs to help you manage your stress levels. There’s a strong connection between food and mood. Research suggests that eating more fruit and vegetables can help support positive mental health.
Instead of counting calories, count the number of different plants you eat each week - aim for 40 if you can!
If you want to learn more take a look at Healthify’s information on “Food and Mood”.
Being physically active is proven to boost our wellbeing and decrease stress, depression, and anxiety. Do something active every day. Try walking, swimming, cycling, dancing or play a team sport – just find something you enjoy and keep doing it.
See our health tip “Every move counts towards better health”
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Stress and sleep are closely linked. Stress can adversely affect sleep quality and duration, while not getting enough sleep can increase stress levels. Learn about good sleep habits.
See our health tip “Getting a good nights sleep”
Positive social times with family, whānau and friends makes us feel happy, connected, and secure. It also means that during times of distress you have the support you need to get through. They can help you take a break from what you are stressing over and to work out whether it really is a problem. Remember that old saying, “a problem shared is a problem halved”.
Learning helps us to set and achieve goals. Learning is about being curious about the world, and learning from our environment, other people, and the resources we can access. Try something new or rediscover an old interest. Sign up for a course or take on a different responsibility at work.
Paying more attention to the present moment, to our thoughts and feelings and to the world around us boosts our wellbeing. Spending time in nature can also reduce stress and anxiety. Remember the simple things that give you joy.
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/l/let-nature-in-strengthen-your-wellbeing
Volunteering and being involved with your community is strongly linked with feeling good and functioning well. Studies have found that caring creates resilience. When you choose to view your stress response as helpful, you create the biology of courage.
https://www.ibsafoundation.org/en/blog/taking-care-of-others-a-great-way-to-reduce-stress
It could be listening or dancing to music, mindfulness meditation, mirimiri (massage), keeping a gratitude journal, phoning a friend, catching up with a mate over coffee or regular activity such as gardening, walking, swimming, or playing a team sport.
What’s important to you?