How to be less stressed in 2017

There's a number of things I do to wind down, or take my mind off life's many stresses. If I'm going home after work, I'll spend a good hour cooking exactly what I fancy – I find cooking really therapeutic. Otherwise exercise really changes my mood and releases endorphins – I do this with friends so it's nice to catch up with those who are completely separate to my work circle.

Kate Ward, Vice President of International

When I'm feeling stressed, I go for a walk. Even if it's just for five minutes. It sounds ridiculous but sunshine or rain or fresh air automatically helps me reset and focus. In general I don't feel stressed, even though I have a lot on and I'm often travelling and then trying to be a good friend/ wife/ daughter/ boss/ colleague.

I'm a huge believer in 'abundant thinking' which is a mindset which I have learnt about through my mentor Katia. For me that means channelling your creative energy, leaning into the tasks and things that make you feel great and from that getting the mental clarity, energy and sense of balance that mean even the tough moments can be tackled. It's a state of mind that means I'm always optimistic, learning and trying to improve. Keeping this sense of abundance, and getting rid of 'scarcity' (feelings of frustration, disorganisation or exhaustion) means I'm always aware of trying to channel my energy into positive things.

You could say that having this attitude does mean I suffer stress less but more importantly, I think it means I enjoy life and work a lot more.

Katy Thompsett, Sub Editor

As much as it pains me to cite Grey's Anatomy as a reference, I have to confess to sharing Meredith and Cristina's penchant for 'dancing it out'. If I've had a particularly taxing day, or feel that nascent frown line between my eyebrows deepening, I stick on a favourite track – Grandmaster Flash's White Lines is a good one – whack up the volume and flail around my flat until I feel better (or collapse in a sweaty heap). My neighbours probably hate me, but it works.

Kristin Cardwell, Director, International Strategy and Development

When I’m stressed or busy, it helps me when I feel like I’ve accomplished something. Anything. I usually keep track of to-dos digitally on my phone lists, but when I feel like I have too much, I like to write it down on paper, break it down into micro-tasks, and group those micro-tasks into categories. Sometimes I make the lists visual, like a mind map. Micro-tasks make a big project more manageable, and being able to cross off a lot in one day makes me feel more accomplished.

Reminding myself that I’m capable when stressed also helps (e.g. I don’t need to stress about a presentation because I’ve given hundreds of presentations before!). I just need to get through the prep to make it happen. Or if it’s my first time doing something, I’ll think about past analogous experience, or how I’ve managed to take on new things and make them happen.

You could say that having this attitude does mean I suffer stress less but more importantly, I think it means I enjoy life and work a lot more

Katy Thompsett, Sub Editor

As much as it pains me to cite Grey's Anatomy as a reference, I have to confess to sharing Meredith and Cristina's penchant for 'dancing it out'. If I've had a particularly taxing day, or feel that nascent frown line between my eyebrows deepening, I stick on a favourite track – Grandmaster Flash's White Lines is a good one – whack up the volume and flail around my flat until I feel better (or collapse in a sweaty heap). My neighbours probably hate me, but it works.

Kristin Cardwell, Director, International Strategy and Development

When I’m stressed or busy, it helps me when I feel like I’ve accomplished something. Anything. I usually keep track of to-dos digitally on my phone lists, but when I feel like I have too much, I like to write it down on paper, break it down into micro-tasks, and group those micro-tasks into categories. Sometimes I make the lists visual, like a mind map. Micro-tasks make a big project more manageable, and being able to cross off a lot in one day makes me feel more accomplished.

Reminding myself that I’m capable when stressed also helps (e.g. I don’t need to stress about a presentation because I’ve given hundreds of presentations before!). I just need to get through the prep to make it happen. Or if it’s my first time doing something, I’ll think about past analogous experience, or how I’ve managed to take on new things and make them happen.

Yoga and running also help me clear my mind. Maintaining a positive mental state/attitude is the best thing!

Natasha Slee, Social Media Manager

I'm trying to manage my stress better by trying really hard not to say 'I'm so stressed' or 'I'm so busy' (to myself or others) and instead be specific so I can see what needs to be done.

And repeating 'one thing at a time' when I feel overwhelmed.

I'm also trying not to work in the evenings. Because I stress about needing to do work in the evening, don't relax, don't get anything done anyway and then stress even more. Better to enjoy the evening and get up earlier for a lil pillow laptop time.

Oh, I also invested in a lifetime's supply of lavender sleep spray.

Meg O'Donnell, Photo Assistant

I have a washing-up bowl that I use as a foot spa, which helps. Sometimes I have a little sing with my guitar. But then end up stressing that I can no longer play guitar, so out comes the makeshift foot spa again!

I also have a huge massive cry, usually on purpose, it really helps get rid of things.

Natalie Gil, News Writer

It's boring and typical but long walks in green spaces, either with upbeat music or a podcast. Pretty much any kind of exercise. Meditative yoga that basically forces you to lie in silence. Incense.

More embarrassingly and weirdly – watching vloggers talking about their mundane daily lives cheers me up. Maybe it makes me realise that the world will continue to turn despite my problems?

Also, watching Nigella Lawson on anything...!

Yoana Gusiyska, Accounts Payable

Personally when I am stressed I love to relax – jogging in the park in the morning when it is really quiet and peaceful. I also like cycling or playing football.

Or if I am stressed about many things, I like to make a list of the things that have worried me and I try to find solutions. Once it's done I just cross it from the list. I concentrate more on the pleasure I get from crossing the problem from the list, which gives me a bit more power to work on the solution.

Also, partying a lot helps me forget what is worrying me. Don't judge me for this last one!

Rose Lander, EA to VP of International

It's really corny but when I get really stressed I close my eyes, focus on my breathing and think about a beach at night.

I try and focus on the sea and match the sound of my breathing to the waves slowly coming in and out. I had to do CBT for a while and that really made me aware of how important slowing down my breathing and thinking about something outside of my little bubble of stress could be.

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