Tips and tricks on how the Irish Country Magazine team manages stress.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious is it important to know you’re not alone and that the feeling does pass. Stress can present itself in many forms and can be a result of a number of different causes but it is essential that we manage it in a healthy and productive way. Taking time to relax and reflect can be a crucial step to relieving stress.
Everyone in the world experiences stress and anxiety and even the Irish Country Magazine team are no exception to this. We all deal with stress differently and oftentimes listening to how other people cope can be inspiring and helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed yourself. Over the years, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks on how to manage our stress. Below you’ll find some of the top tips from the ICM team, we hope you find them helpful.
Klara Heron, Acting Editor
“A few years ago I tried meditation with the Head Space app and it has given me some really great tools and techniques for managing stressful moments. I tend to spend most of my waking hours on the go, thinking and moving fast, so I’ve learned to use the moments when I can’t be on my phone to relax, usually when I’m driving. I take long, deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth, making sure they go all the way down to my stomach, and do this for a good 20 mins at a time. By the time I’ve reached my destination, I’m really calm and my mind has slowed down so I can focus on the next task.”
Roisin Healy, Features Writer
“Listening to a book on Audible or to a funny podcast always takes my mind off whatever is going on. I’m a bit of a sloth but going for a walk always makes me feel better if I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. At work I think it’s crucial to make time to grab a cup of tea and talk about something random and funny with a colleague, it always lifts my mood.”
Tracey Donaghey, Journalist
“My top tip Is to take a walk. Whenever my stress levels begin to rise I take a walk to clear my head and it works wonders. I don’t embark on a lengthy stroll, just a casual 10 minute dander. When you are sitting in front of a computer screen at work and things are starting to get jumbled in your mind, the best thing you can do is escape for a little while and gain perspective.”
Keeva Tyrrell, Graduate Assistant
“I make lists of everything, no matter how big or small because once you lay it all out, you have no other choice but to tackle it! Look at what you have to do, make a realistic plan and highlight each task when it’s done. The lists and words will soon become covered in rainbow colours and personally, I get a sense of satisfaction when I see a page full of highlighter marks. It means I’ve achieved something that day.”
Laura Merrigan, Designer
“Running is my ‘therapy’. I love the fresh air and being outdoors, and find zoning out in a run gives perspective to any stresses I have in my life and clears my head. I also take 10-15 minutes in the evening after a commute to just lie down with no radio, phone or any distraction. Sometimes I pop a face mask on to force me to be still for those 10-15 mins. It’s a small luxury in a busy household.”
Kate Devereux, Advertising Manager
“I might not be the best at managing stress but a long walk always helps, especially on the beach or in a local forest along with exercise at the end of a long day. It is a great release of any stress or negative energy and gets the adrenaline going again!”
Image source: Start Up Today
