2 December 2023

Manage Stress

Are you feeling stressed? You may be experiencing stress due to work commitments or issues in your personal life. Physically demanding jobs, early starts and long and/or antisocial hours synonymous with the racing industry may add to your stress levels.

There are ways you can manage your stress and we are here to offer you support and advice.

What is Stress?

Stress can affect you in a number of ways and is primarily a physical response to help you combat threats or difficulties. Stress causes your body to go in to ‘fight or flight’ mode and release a number of chemicals and hormones which lead to increased adrenaline and other physical reactions.

Everyone experiences stress. However, if stress becomes a constant in your life and is not dealt with, it may affect your physical and mental health. While stress affects everyone differently, there are common signs and symptoms for you to look out for:

Feelings of constant worry or anxiety
Feelings of being overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings or changes in mood
Irritability or having a short temper
Difficulty relaxing
Depression
Low self-esteem
Eating more or less than usual
Changes in sleeping habits
Using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs to relax
Aches and pains, particularly muscle tension
Diarrhoea and constipation
Feelings of nausea or dizziness
Loss of sex drive

If you are experiencing the above signs of stress and it is affecting your mental health, please get in contact with our Racing Support Line (RSL) for emotional support.

Listen below to trainer Dan Skelton and his wife Grace talk about stress, what triggers stress and how they manage it at one of the country’s busiest yards.

5 Ways to Manage Stress

1. Share your problem with family and friends
2. Exercise and eat healthily
3. Take a break or a holiday
4. Practice mindfulness
5. Take time for your interests and hobbies

– if you are feeling overwhelmed then reach out to those closest to you. Simply telling someone can help relieve your stress levels and you may receive extra support.

– being active can reduce your symptoms of stress, even just a daily short walk can help. Maintaining a healthy diet without skipping meals or eating the wrong foods can also be effective.

– time away from work and your daily routine can help your mental health and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

– medical research has shown that as little as ten minutes of mindfulness (clearing your mind and focusing on the present) per day can help to reduce stress. You may find mindfulness podcasts and apps helpful.

– try to make time for your favourite activities when you can clear your head and enjoy your favourite pastime without worries or pressure.