6 tips that will help you cope with stress

But if you're in the creative industries for the long haul and still can't cope with stress, then Mandy News has some tips to help you look back, make changes and get through it all!

Exercise
Firstly, let's get you relaxed before we tackle the bigger stuff. Exercise is scientifically proven to create a healthy body and healthy mind. Physical activity speeds up the production of endorphins, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters. Now you feel good, let's look at what else you can do.

Simple life
Keeping life simple is the key. Are you doing too much? Sometimes, we have several jobs to make ends meet. Now paying the bills is important but it's also important not to take on too much. Having too many responsibilities across too many locations, with too many people's demands, might lead to stress. Step back and look at all the things you do. That includes things like the gym, picking the kids up from school and/or caring for somebody. See if there are simpler ways to take on these tasks or even a way to cut some out altogether.

For you to operate at your creative best, it is absolutely crucial that you 'box clever' with your choices so that you are able to be relaxed and focus while completing your bill-paying tasks.

Schedule it
Once you've reviewed your general life tasks, planning your time is the next great tip for keeping your mind clear and your day/week/month on track. Keeping your calendar and diary up to date and working on all the tasks you have set yourself each day will help you manage your time and will stop work piling up on you and affecting your wellbeing.

Don’t be disheartened/thicken your skin
Let’s face it, this industry is more rejection than anything else. It's something most creatives have to deal with – so get used to it! If you don't get a casting or callback or interview, it  isn't always a reflection of your skills. Don't waste time and energy mulling over an audition from last week or something that one brash, rude interviewer may have said as a subjective opinion months ago. Thicken up that skin, take everything in your stride and keep on walking.

Talk about it
It may be hard to talk to a friend or loved one about your troubles – especially if they're not in the creative industries – but sharing can help in so many ways. Just talking through your problems, getting some outside ideas and putting a voice to them for the first time can be a lot of help. Your listener might be able to put things into perspective for you and – if not – just talking about it can help release tension.

See a doctor
If the symptoms of anxiety and stress persist, it is advisable that you see your local GP. Many people find that speaking to a doctor can make a huge difference to their lives.

The most important thing of all is to know that you are not alone. Everybody – from the richest to the poorest – goes through stress and pressure. It's how you deal with it that makes or breaks you!