Stress at Home: Top Tips on Staying Positive

Most of the time, home is a place of comfort and relaxation; a safe haven in which one can unwind and recharge after a busy or difficult day. But what happens when, for whatever reason, 'home' becomes a source of anxiety, stress, or depression? Don't let a difficult home environment chip away at your mental health. Here are some top tips on staying positive when your 'safe haven' becomes a living hell.

1. Identify the Problem and Try to Be Objective.

Identify exactly what 'The Problem' is. Perhaps financial strain is causing discord between relatives, or parents are going through a difficult divorce. These issues are extremely complex, but by labelling 'The Problem' it becomes a more concrete idea that you can address from a more 'objective' and rational standpoint. Try to disentangle yourself from the issue for a moment and think—if this was another person's problem, what advice would I give? You and 'The Problem' are not inextricably bound—don't let it consume you. There are other aspects of your life that you can focus on improving, even if your home situation is not an easy fix.

2. Focus on Improving the Things that are Within Your Sphere of Influence.

With 'The Problem' identified, you should have a pretty good idea of how easy (or not) it will be to correct. If you've fallen out with your partner over who should be doing the dishes, for example, there is probably a quick-fix at hand; initiate a mature conversation and agree on a compromise. If, however, the problem is bigger and deeper than the everyday argument (and perhaps isn't within your control) focus on the little things you can do to make life more comfortable. Eat properly; make sure you have an area of personal space (like a bedroom, study, or garden shed) where you can go to seek refuge; ensure that your personal surroundings/ belongings are clean and organised (this might make your head feel less chaotic in turn); and try to maintain some kind of daily structure or routine.

3. Recognise Your Own Achievements and the Things in Your Life that are Going Well.

So. Maybe being at home kind of sucks. But what else have you got going for you? Good grades? Good at your job? A best friend? A dog that loves you? Is it a nice day today? Focus on the things that ARE going right and use them as motivation to get through whatever it is you're experiencing at home.

4. Get Some Exercise.

Whether it's a short walk or an intensive gym session, getting out of the house for a while to blow off some steam is always a good idea. Exercise encourages the release of serotonin, the 'Happiness Hormone,' which should help improve your mood when things at home are a little stressful. Get out there and work off some of those negative feelings and frustrations—you are sure to feel a little better once you've done so.

5. A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved—Talk and Stay Connected!

Don't cut yourself off from your friends and family. When you're dealing with a difficult issue at home, it's tempting to isolate yourself from those at school or work, or other family members. Perhaps you feel like no one will understand or that they'll think 'The Problem' is stupid or insignificant, but that's rarely the case. Have a chat with one of your close friends and tell them what's up. Even if you feel like you're not ready to explain the issue fully, it's enough to let them know that you're 'having some trouble at home' and that's why you might seem out of sorts. There are always people who care for you and who want to help- but no one can do anything if you don't tell them what's wrong!

6. Get Out and About!

If there's not a lot you can do about the issue at home—just get out of there for a while and enjoy yourself! Go and meet some friends after work for a drink or organise a shopping trip on your day off. Go to the gym, take up a pottery class, or join a club! Do something fun that allows you to relax and take your mind off of the situation for a while. Don't stay cooped up in an uncomfortable environment when you could be feeling more 'at home' somewhere else.