Mental stress is often a result of feeling overwhelmed or out of control.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing mental stress, here are a few ideas that might help:

1. Identify your stressors

first step to reducing mental stress is to identify what is causing it. Once you know what your stressors are, you can start to address them. Has work been bothering you lately? Relationships? School? Ask yourself these questions, even if it involves some deep reflection

2. Make a plan

When you feel overwhelmed, it can be helpful to make a plan. Breaking your tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps can make them seem less daunting. Jot everything down on a list if necessary.

3.Take breaks

When you’re feeling stressed, it can be helpful to take a few moments to relax and recharge. Taking a break can help you refocus and regain your composure. In your break, you can practice any of the other steps. Even short sessions are great – a 5 minute walk around the office can do wonders.

4. Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. When you’re mindful, you focus on the here and now, rather than letting your mind wander. This can help you to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Exercise.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood. There are many other neurotransmitters released during exercise! Aerobic exercise is generally considered the best for stress, but strength training and even yoga can also be useful.

6. Get enough sleep.

Getting enough sleep is essential for good mental health. When you’re tired, it can be more difficult to manage stress. Sleep needs vary from person to person, but generally are around 8-9 hours. Try not to under sleep or over sleep – both can be harmful!

7.Seek help.

If you’re struggling to manage your mental stress, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources available, including therapy and medication.

Nurses on Demand Can Help

At Nurses on Demand, we’ve designed a care service specifically for the purpose of giving you a break so you can focus on your own personal health.

Here are a few situations where you can take advantage of our relief/respite care services:

• An emergency arises and you need some time to address the problem.
• You’re a single parent and you would like to free up an evening for a date.
• You’re trapped at work and need someone to care for a loved one.
• You’re exhausted from working a full-time job during the day and providing care to your loved one in the evenings.
• You need a couple of hours to go out and exercise.
• You’re a personal care provider that is short-staffed and needs to contract a nurse or care professional.

Whatever your reason may be, Nurses on Demand can provide you with quality relief care you can count on! When you’re caring for your aging parent or another elderly loved one, you may think you can do it all on your own. But for most people, juggling caregiving responsibilities with one’s own needs can eventually lead to major stress and burnout.

Respite care provides caregivers an opportunity to step away and take a break, which can help alleviate stress and improve the well-being of both the caregiver and the senior being cared for. 

If you need help, reach out to Nurses on Demand to get the care you need, when & where you need it most.