Stress can manifest in many different ways. Some of the identifying features are: If you find yourself being more emotional than usual; feeling overwhelmed or on edge; having trouble keeping track or remembering things, making decisions, solving problems, concentrating, getting your work done – and using alcohol or drugs to relieve your emotional stress.

When you’re working away from home, the unfamiliar surroundings and being away from friends and family can contribute to feeling stressed. 

The first step to feeling better is to identify the cause – and the most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking.

If you don’t take control of the situation it is likely that the problems will worsen.

At Rooost, we believe that the day is made up of three pillars – work, relax, sleep. About eight hours of each makes a balanced, effective, enjoyable and productive day! If stress is manifesting itself because of your job or because you are working away from home (or for any other reasons), here are some of the keys to good stress management; building emotional strength; taking control of your situation.

Ten simple stress busting ideas:

1. Be active

Exercise doesn’t make your stress disappear – but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling by clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly. For more advice, read about exercise for depression and Get started with exercise

2. Take control of your time

The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else. Get tips on how to manage your time

3. Connect with people

The activities we do with friends can help us relax and relieve stress. Working away from home can make this difficult – but regular contact by telephone or video call can help ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way. Talking things through with a friend may also help you find solutions to your problems. Read about 5 steps to mental wellbeing, including the benefits of connecting with other people.

4. Have some "me time"

Many of us work long hours. This means we often don't spend enough time doing things we really enjoy. It's important to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise. It is good to dedicate a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time".

5. Challenge yourself

Setting yourself some goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, can help build confidence. This may help you deal with stress.

It can also make you want to do things and be active.

6. Avoid unhealthy habits

Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. They can provide temporary relief, but in the long term, they won't solve your problems – just create new ones.

It's best to tackle the cause of your stress.

7. Help other people

Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, often become more resilient. If you don't have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues. Find out more about giving for mental wellbeing

8. Work smarter, not harder

Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that'll make a real difference. Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that you will not have time for everything. Get tips on how to manage your time better

9. Try to be positive

Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful. Try writing down three things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.

10. Accept the things you can't change

Changing a difficult situation isn't always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over. For example, if the company you are working for is making redundancies or terminating contracts, you could focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job!