One in four (24%) people in the UK feel stressed more days a month than they don’t. Learning how to better manage stress can help reduce anxiety, improve low moods, combat depression, and even support your physical health. 

Why do we get stressed? 

Stress is an evolutionary response that once kept our ancestors alive. When we feel threatened, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase your heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and give you a burst of energy—perfect for escaping a sabre-toothed tiger! 

But in today’s world, the challenges we face don’t usually require such a physical response. When stress becomes chronic, these bodily reactions can harm our mental and physical health, leading to conditions like high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. 

When should you address stress 

Think of stress as steam building up in a pressure cooker—it needs to be released or managed before it boils over. Here are some clues you might be feeling overwhelmed: 

• Irritability, feeling unable to think clearly, or becoming easily overwhelmed 
• Avoiding activities like eating, exercising, or socialising 
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Physical symptoms like headaches, heartburn, or muscle tension 

5 Tips for managing stress  

1. Improve Your Work-Life Balance

Remote working has made it easier to skip the commute, but it’s also blurred the lines between work and home life. Setting boundaries can improve your mental health and reduce stress. 

• Establish a clear routine, including set start and finish times. 
• Only respond to work emails during working hours. 
• Create a dedicated workspace—avoid the kitchen table if possible! 
• Take regular breaks throughout the day. 
• Pick up the phone and talk to colleagues rather than relying solely on email. 

2. Talk it out

Stress can worsen when we bottle it up. Family, friends, and colleagues can offer support, but they need to know how you’re feeling first. When discussing stress, focus on how specific situations make you feel. For instance, saying, “A tight deadline makes me feel overwhelmed,” opens the conversation without making others defensive. 

3. Try Yoga

Research shows that yoga can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. A study conducted over four months found that regular yoga practice reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Even after just two months, participants reported positive results (Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information). 
If you can’t find a nearby studio, many offer online classes. Explore resources like The British Wheel of Yoga to get started.

4. Practice mindfulness or meditation 

Mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress by helping lower cortisol levels. High cortisol can trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which contribute to fatigue, anxiety, and 'brain fog'. 
One study found that just eight weeks of mindfulness training reduced participants’ inflammation response (Source: ScienceDirect). 
Join the growing list of mindfulness advocates like Oprah Winfrey and Shawn Mendes by signing up for a local or online course—or try a mindfulness app for easy access. 

5. Explore Stress Management Tools

• Get help with stress – NHS 
• How to manage and reduce stress – Mental Health Foundation  
• How to manage stress – Mind – for better mental health  

How Doctor Care Anywhere Can Support You 

At Doctor Care Anywhere, we believe mental health and physical health go hand in hand. That’s why our clinicians are available 24/7 to help you manage stress effectively. 

We can offer: 

• Talking Therapy: Speak confidentially with trained professionals to explore your thoughts and feelings. 
• Personalised Treatments: Where appropriate, our clinicians can recommend medication to support your recovery. 

Visit the Stress section of our Health Hub for more tips and insights. 

Supporting Your Business and Employees 

Stress isn’t just a personal issue—it impacts workplace productivity and employee satisfaction. Find out how we can help your organisation address physical and mental wellbeing through tailored healthcare solutions.