Local Life - Wigan - May 2021

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things you see and hear, and this will interrupt
the constant looping of anxious thoughts.”
• Looking after mind and body: “Go to bed
at a reasonable time without screens and
mobiles or other things that will decrease
the winding-down time we need to settle
into a relaxed state and leave the day behind,”
says Lorraine. “Watch your diet, as excessive
caffeine and refined sugars will only stimulate
an already stimulated body and mind.”
• Learning to relax: relaxation techniques can
include exercises to release the tension in your body by
easing your muscles. The Mind web site lists plenty of
options.
• Switch off the news: if you find it difficult coping with
news coverage, it may make you feel better if you limit
what you read, watch and listen to for a while.
• Connecting with other people: “Plan to have regular
chats with friends and family over the phone,” says
Stephen Buckley from Mind. “This is a vital way of
maintaining wellbeing.”
• Sharing the problem: talking to someone you trust
about what is making you stressed can be helpful. If this
isn’t possible, you could call a confidential helpline such
as Mind’s Infoline or those run by Anxiety UK and the
Samaritans. You could also join a support or self-help group
– talking to people in the same boat can be reassuring.
If these self-care techniques don’t work, it’s best to talk to
your GP about treatment options. This can include talking
therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
www.lccounselling.com
www.mind.org.uk
www.anxietyuk.org.uk