Whether it’s at home, at university or in the workplace, we can probably all raise our hands and say we’ve felt ‘stressed’ at some point in our lives.

Don’t stress though, because feeling stressed isn’t always a bad thing. Some day-to-day stress is normal and can actually be good for you; if it motivates you and enhances your concentration and performance levels. However, chronic, overwhelming stress can have a negative impact on your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

So, when the going gets tough, it’s important to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and have some ‘me’ time.

But what is ‘me’ time?

It’s all about time spent relaxing and doing something for yourself – as opposed to working or doing things for others. It’s the perfect opportunity to reduce your stress and restore energy.

And how you spend your ‘me’ time is entirely up to you. We all have different ways of unwinding, and what one person might find relaxing, could be another’s idea of stress!

With this in mind, we thought it would be a great idea to gain some insight into how the Host Marketing team like to escape the realities of life and take time out for themselves.

Laura Bailey – Marketing Executive at Host

“The best way for me to relax and de-stress is to grab my trainers and go running. If it’s first thing in the morning there’s definitely something quite satisfying knowing you’re up and out, achieving, before most people have even gotten out of bed. It sets me up for the day; by the time I get into work I’m ready and raring to take on the day.

Sometimes if I’ve had a busy or stressful day, going for an evening run can really help clear my mind. Some days I can think about everything and others absolutely nothing. All that matters is it’s just me. There are no distractions and no one else to get in the way of my thoughts.

And the thing I love most about running? It’s got to be the views. From sunrises to sunsets, and everything in between, running gives me the time to appreciate my surroundings. As well as this, I appreciate the beautiful sites that are often missed in the chaos of life.”

   

Jon Hall – Digital Marketing Executive at Host

“One of the ways I love to de-stress is to meet up with friends, get in the car, go for a road trip and take some snaps for Instagram.

With the Host marketing office based in Cardiff, I’m really fortunate to have some amazing driving roads, scenery and places to visit right on my doorstep. From the Glamorgan heritage coast to the Gower Peninsula, and then through the valleys and into the Brecon Beacons National Park, and all within an hour’s drive of the office.

Just going for a drive, visiting some outstanding places and watching the sunset, allows me to step to away from the daily grind and appreciate what life is all about.”

     

Louise Cant – Marketing Manager at Host

“De-stressing for me is peace and quiet (which might be a big surprise to my work colleagues) and being able to switch off completely!

I de-stress by playing tennis. I’m thinking so much about the strategy of the game, which shot to play – a sliced forehand or a drop shot, am I in the right position to make this a winning shot! It’s all about my mind and body doing what I want it to do.

I play outdoors all year around and really notice the change of seasons. I’ve often said ‘I’m living the dream’ on a summer’s evening at 9pm with the sun still out and the smell of cut grass wafting in the air.

I’m also a keen gardener, and this is my ultimate way to relax and switch off. I love the sense of creativity and planning you can put into a garden; then waiting for the plants to grow to see if my plans have worked out.

Gardening really makes me appreciate the here and now. I come across lots of insect life in my garden that makes me realise that I’m doing good not just for my wellbeing, but also for the insect colonies too. I can’t think of anything more satisfying and relaxing than giving something back to nature.”

  

So, how do you de-stress? We’d love to know if you share any of the same ways of relaxing as our team, or if you do something completely different, let us know as we’re always open to new ideas.

Find out more about International Stress Awareness Week.