While stress is something most people contend with at least occasionally in life, statistics show that 36% of adults in Ireland report feeling stressed regularly. If you look more closely at the data, you’ll see that adults aged 18 to 34 experience stress even more frequently, with over half reporting issues. These figures exceed the global average of people who report feeling stressed. What does this mean for everyday Irish folks? It begins with acknowledging the stress, followed by a desire to address it.
Several decades ago, stress wasn’t discussed nearly as much, and there were certainly fewer tools and less guidance on how to manage it. Thankfully, times have changed, and today there is support available for those seeking it.
Today, we’ll explore what self-care means in Ireland—and how it can dramatically and positively impact your stress levels. We’ll also look at activities you can embrace to help reduce stress.
Self-Care Is Deeper Than You May Assume
When people hear the words ‘self-care’, they are often quick to assume it refers to things like a spa day, a bubble bath or napping the afternoon away. While these can certainly be relaxing activities, self-care is a much deeper concept. It requires you to tap into your emotions to identify your stress triggers and healthily address them.
One of the best ways to describe self-care is as the act of bringing balance to your life. When you find a balance between your work and personal life, things will feel less chaotic and more manageable. Finding balance isn’t easily achieved by all, however, as it can be a difficult concept to embrace. This is especially true for those who work in stressful, high-demand careers. In such cases, it takes even more effort to create that sense of harmony.
Exercise for Stress Relief
Everyone knows that exercise benefits your physical health, but did you know it’s also one of the most effective ways to relieve stress? When you’re active—especially during aerobic exercise—your body boosts its production of endorphins. These endorphins are often called ‘feel-good’ hormones because they improve your mood. At the same time, exercise lowers levels of cortisol and adrenaline—stress-related hormones that contribute to feelings of anxiety.
The good news? You don’t need to join a gym, train for a marathon or invest in expensive home gym equipment. Any form of physical activity can help. Aim for 20-30 minutes of moderate, continuous movement at least five times per week. As your fitness improves, gradually increase your exercise duration.
Here are some stress-busting activities that don’t feel like traditional workouts:
- Dancing
- Housecleaning
- Gardening
- Yoga or Pilates
- Hiking
- Walking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Jump rope
Get Outdoors as Often as Possible
Another way you can prioritise self-care in your routine is to make a habit of getting outdoors as much as possible. It’s easy to let the weather stand in the way of outdoor time, but doing so is a disservice to yourself. Simply dress for the weather, and you’ll stay comfortable.
Being outdoors in the fresh air can do wonders for your mood. It can make you feel happier, calmer, more focused, more energised and less irritable. If you’re in a bad mood or feeling overwhelmed by stress, try sitting outdoors for half an hour. It’s amazing how therapeutic nature can be. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce anxiety and your heart rate.
For best results, aim for at least two hours of outdoor time each week—even just 20 minutes can make a noticeable difference.
Embrace Solo Activities and Hobbies
There are many activities you can enjoy with friends and family that help take your mind off stress. Leaning on these in tough times can be vital. As great as these group activities are, sometimes others won’t be available to spend time with you. That’s why it’s helpful to create a list of solo activities and hobbies that keep your mind and body engaged. These casual types of activities can be enjoyed for short periods or several hours at a time.
Whether you enjoy reading, painting, checking out the best online casinos in Ireland, streaming movies or shows, listening to music, meditating or baking, all of these can help relieve stress. It’s about doing things you enjoy—things that make you feel relaxed and nourish both your mind and body.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Sleep
Finally, there’s the power of sleep. Experts recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep to fully rest the body and recover from the day’s activities. What doesn’t always get attention, however, is that your mind also gets a chance to recharge. Think about how great you feel after a solid night’s sleep, versus a fitful night of tossing and turning. When you’re physically exhausted, your mind also suffers. You’ll be less focused, quicker to anger, less productive and your mood will take a hit.
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of a regular evening routine. Give yourself a chance to wind down, remove anything overly stimulating, such as scrolling social media and go to bed at the same time each night. These tips can help set you up for nighttime success.
Taking Control of Your Life with Self-Care
Self-care is so much more than just a buzzword. It’s about recognising your stress, finding ways to manage it and making your physical and mental well-being a consistent priority. It’s never too late or too early to embrace self-care. In fact, it could be the most transformative habit you adopt.
