Time off work

[Lavachicken37]

Hi I’ve been signed off work with stress. I really want to feel better and use my time to recover. Any tips or advice ? Stress relates to work so I’m hoping a break will be enough but any healing ideas to fill my time would be helpful x

Obviously relax and feel better. Create a plan on how you can leave that job. It might include a training course, fixing your CV etc. Also look into getting therapy, hopefully through work so you don’t have to pay for it

Get yourself a routine. Don’t be tempted to lie in every morning and spend all day in PJs watching Netflix ( the odd day is ok ! ) You will likely feel very tired initially but better to get up at a sensible time everyday and then if necessary have a nap in the afternoon. Make sure you go it for a walk everyday even if it is only around the block for fresh air and a change of scenery. If you do a sport try and continue it - exercise is good. Then consider why work is causing stress - is it because of a short term issue i.e. you have been doing the work of two because someone left the team but they will be replaced, is it your manager but they are moving on, or is it a longer term issue which doesn’t seem solvable and you need to consider finding a new role. Once you can establish the root cause you can then make a plan to resolve it. Be kind to yourself and don’t push too hard too fast.

A little craft project might be nice. Something simple like paint by numbers, diamond art or basic cross stitch. Plenty of fresh air. A trip to the seaside/ beach makes me feel better.