Alcohol helps me when I'm anxious or stressed

Tips for when I'm anxious or stressed:

• Be active: Exercise won't make your stress disappear. But it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling. It helps to clear your thoughts and to be calm when dealing with your problems

• Take control: There's a solution to any problem. That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing. Taking control will help you find a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.

• Connect with people: A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles. This can help you see things in a different way. The activities we do with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever.

• Have some "me time": We often don't spend enough time doing things we enjoy. Set aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time"

• Challenge yourself: Setting yourself goals and challenges. Activities such as learning a new language or playing new sports can help to build confidence. This will help you deal with stress.

• Help other people: You can become more resilient by helping others. You can do this through volunteering or community work. If you don't have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day.

• Work smarter, not harder: Working smarter means prioritising your work. You can then concentrate on the tasks that will make a real difference. Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that your in-tray will always be full. Don't expect it to be empty at the end of the day.

• Be grateful: Look for things for which you're grateful. At the end of every day, try writing down 3 things that went well or for which you're grateful.

• 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, not on the things you don't have control over.

To help you along the way, consider the following tips to help you mind your mental health.

• Be kind to yourself.

• Remember that mental health difficulties are normal

• Find someone to talk to.

• Find out about local support groups.

• Eat well and drink less alcohol.

• Rest when you need to.

• Embrace your individuality.