Stress Management: Why It Matters and How to Start

According to Mental Health UK, 34% of the UK population experiences high or extreme levels of pressure or stress either always or often. Those numbers are alarming. Many of us are living at risk of burnout, struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance and finding it harder to feel truly happy.

Why High Stress is Dangerous

Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel emotionally. It has a significant impact on physical health too. Left unmanaged, stress can contribute to:

Heart disease and strokes
Cardiovascular issues
Obesity and diabetes
Reduced focus and productivity
Increased anxiety and depression

The good news is that conversations about stress management are growing. More people are becoming aware of how stress affects them and are seeking ways to feel calmer, more balanced, and healthier. That in itself is a positive step forward.

My Top 5 Tips for Stress Management

1. Talk it out

Sharing how you feel is one of the simplest yet most powerful forms of stress relief. Whether it’s with a friend, family member, or a professional, acknowledging stress takes away part of its weight. And if you ever feel like you don’t have someone to talk to, you’re always welcome to reach out to me — we can even try some simple meditation together.

2. Prioritise self-care

Stress is a part of life, but recovery has to be part of life too. Make space for practices that restore you. This could be a walk in nature, a warm bath, a massage, a nourishing meal, or simply switching off your phone for an evening. Try to avoid “quick-fix” distractions like endless scrolling or binge-watching, which only give temporary relief.

3. Embrace kindness

Doing something kind for others has a ripple effect — it lifts their day, and it lifts yours too. A thoughtful gesture, however small, is a gentle form of stress management that strengthens your connection to the world.

4. Practice meditation and breathwork

Taking even 5–10 minutes to pause, breathe, and centre yourself can have a huge impact on stress levels. Meditation and breathwork calm the nervous system and allow your mind to reset. If you’d like some inspiration, I’d be happy to share a few of my favourite guided practices on YouTube.

5. Have a self-love day

Once a month, dedicate a day just for you. This could mean booking a massage or facial, spending the afternoon in a café with a good book, creating a vision board, or going for a mindful walk. Whatever it looks like, give yourself permission to slow down and be fully present. This is not indulgence — it’s essential stress management.

Final Thoughts

Stress may be unavoidable, but how we respond to it makes all the difference. By building small but consistent rituals into your life, you can protect your wellbeing, restore balance, and improve both your mental and physical health.

If you’re ready to add massage into your stress management routine and give yourself the space to deeply relax, you can contact me on 07878770510 or book online. I’d love to welcome you into the studio and help you feel calmer, lighter, and more at ease in your body.