Additional Needs

5 Ways to Reduce your Stress Levels This New Year

Posted by Laura Moore on 11th January 2018 Additional Needs, Advice & Support

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1. Laugh

It’s a well-known fact that laughter reduces your stress levels isn’t it?  So, try to do something every day which will make you laugh.

Watch your favourite Instagram stories (I highly recommend Weeslice for some adult humour) listen to a podcast or watch a great comedy on Netflix.

It’s important to take some time to relax and smile.  We rarely go to the cinema but a few weeks ago we went and saw Daddy’s Home 2 and laughed throughout.

I cannot tell you how good it made me feel to come out of the cinema that day having had a good laugh.

2. Recipe boxes

Shopping & cooking stresses me out big time so I’ve been trying out some recipe boxes recently.

Hello Fresh is currently my favourite as they deliver all the ingredients to make some lovely meals and each one is packed in its own paper bag to simply pop in the fridge.

The instructions are simple to follow and there’s no need to spend an hour in the supermarket trying to remember what’s on the shopping list you’ve left on the worktop!

There are lots of recipe box companies out there so you could try a few to find one that works for your family and your budget and take advantage of their introductory offers to get some money off your first box too!

Hello Fresh are giving you £20 to spend on your first box so you can try it out, just use this link to have the credit applied automatically.

3. Support group

Joining an online support group helps me no end when I have something on my mind.

The Mum On A Mission support group was set up to provide a place to share your worries and ask for advice from parents who have been through similar experiences.

There are many other similar groups on Facebook where you’ll find families to talk to. Firefly community also has its own forum where you can ask questions and talk to other families.

4. Exercise

New year new you and all that!  But in all seriousness, taking time to do some exercise will reduce your stress levels and it doesn’t have to be anything strenuous or difficult.

It doesn’t even have to cost you anything.  Taking a brisk walk or going for a run will reduce your stress and with the added bonus of burning off calories you can even treat yourself afterwards if you want to!

5. Say no!

Saying “no” to extra projects, social activities, or invitations you know you don’t have the time or energy for can be difficult.

But everyone, every day, needs quiet time to relax and be alone so don’t feel you have to say yes to everyone who is demanding of your time.

Put yourself first and only say yes to the things you really want to.