According to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2026, 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress over the previous year, highlighting the widespread impact of stress on everyday life and wellbeing.
Stress is a common part of everyday life, whether caused by work pressures, financial concerns, family responsibilities, health problems or significant life changes. While occasional stress is a natural response to challenging situations, prolonged stress can have a negative impact on both our mental and physical health.
With the demands of modern life, it can sometimes be difficult to recognise when stress is becoming overwhelming. Understanding the signs and taking steps to manage stress can help protect our overall health and wellbeing.
Recognising the Signs of Stress
There are a number of ways that your body and mind can respond to stress. Some common signs include:
- Emotionally: Anxiety, fear, sadness, irritability, low mood and feeling overwhelmed.
- Physically: Headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and a racing heart.
- Thinking: Racing thoughts, excessive worrying, difficulty concentrating and persistent negative thinking.
- Behaviour: Avoiding certain situations, withdrawing socially, changes in eating or sleeping habits.
When stress becomes persistent, it can also contribute to problems such as high blood pressure, digestive difficulties and poor sleep, potentially affecting long-term health.
Although stress is a normal part of life, if you regularly feel overwhelmed or notice that symptoms are affecting your everyday activities, it is important to seek medical advice. Your GP can assess your symptoms and arrange further investigations or specialist support where appropriate.
Top Tips for Coping with Stress
There are several practical steps you can take to help manage stress and support your physical and emotional wellbeing.
1. Take a Break from News and Social Media
While it’s important to stay informed, constant exposure to news and social media can sometimes increase feelings of anxiety and stress. Consider limiting screen time, taking regular breaks and making time to disconnect from digital devices.
2. Take Care of Your Body
Looking after your physical health can have a positive impact on your ability to manage stress.
- Take deep breaths, stretch or practise meditation to help you relax.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals to support your energy and overall wellbeing.
- Exercise regularly, whether that’s walking, swimming, cycling or another activity you enjoy.
- Prioritise good-quality sleep and maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking and substance use.
- Continue with routine health checks, vaccinations and screening appointments as recommended by your healthcare professional.
3. Make Time to Unwind
Set aside time for activities you enjoy, whether that’s reading, spending time outdoors, listening to music or pursuing a hobby. Taking regular breaks and allowing yourself time to relax can help reduce feelings of stress.
4. Connect with Others
Talking to friends, family or people you trust about your concerns can help you feel supported. Maintaining social connections and sharing how you’re feeling can make stressful situations easier to manage.
5. Get Involved in Your Community
Taking part in local activities, volunteering or joining community groups can help create a sense of connection and belonging. Spending time with others who share your interests can also have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many people can manage occasional stress through lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques, persistent stress should not be ignored.
If you are regularly feeling overwhelmed, experiencing ongoing sleep problems, physical symptoms or finding it difficult to cope with everyday life, speaking to your GP can help identify potential underlying causes and provide appropriate support.
How Private GP Extra Can Help
At Private GP Extra, patients have access to highly experienced GPs across the North West of England, at a time to suit them. Our doctors provide a personalised service, with continuity of care for every patient, and can also arrange a smooth and rapid onward referral to a specialist, if required.
To book an appointment with one of our GPs, please visit www.privategpextra.com/appointments/ or call 0161 428 4464.
We also offer a dedicated Nutrition Service, providing advice and support to help patients improve their diet and overall wellbeing.
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