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Exercises to manage stress

These exercise videos can help you to manage stress, anxiety and worry.

They include:

  • breathing exercises
  • relaxation exercises
  • guided exercises or meditation - when you listen to someone and follow their suggestions to focus your thoughts

Tension down

Tension down is a short breathing exercise to help relieve stress in your body.

It also helps with:

  • anxiety
  • low mood

Tension down (video, 3 minutes)

Belly breathing

Belly breathing is also called diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing.

It can help to:

  • reduce stress and feel calm
  • lower your blood pressure
  • improve relaxation

Belly breathing (video, 3 minutes)

Progressive muscle relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is when you tense and release muscles in your body.

It can help to:

  • reduce tension in your body
  • unwind before bed
  • feel calm
  • distract you from worry thoughts

Progressive muscle relaxation (video, 5 minutes)

Guided exercise for anxiety

Listen and picture a place where you feel safe, relaxed and peaceful.

It can help to:

  • distract you from anxious thoughts
  • reduce stress

Guided exercise for anxiety (video, 4 minutes)

Guided exercise for low mood or depression

Listen and picture someone who is kind and caring to you.

It can help to:

  • increase positive feelings towards yourself
  • reduce self-criticism

Guided exercise for low mood or depression (video, 6 minutes)

Guided meditation for positive relationships

Listen and focus on positive thoughts about yourself and others.

It can help to:

  • increase positive emotions such as love and hope
  • improve empathy for others
  • reduce self-criticism

Guided meditation for positive relationships (video, 4 minutes)

Positive affirmations

When you are stressed, you may have negative thoughts. Listen to positive statements about yourself that can replace negative thoughts.

It can help to:

  • change negative thinking patterns
  • improve your wellbeing

Practise this exercise 2 times a day for 21 days to get the most benefit.

Positive affirmations (video, 2 minutes)

Positive affirmations in the video

I am stronger than I think.

I can achieve my goals.

I am worthy of love and happiness.

I am learning to be grateful for every moment - big and small.

I accept myself for who I am.

I can overcome challenges that come my way.

I give and receive the support I need.

I have the power to change my life.

I am calm and at peace.