The relentless workload, emotional demands and administrative pressures we face can be overwhelming. However, even small, intentional actions can make a significant difference in how we cope and care for ourselves.

Practical strategies for GPs

– Protecting short breaks: One simple but powerful strategy is to protect short breaks during the day. Even just ten minutes between sessions to step outside, hydrate, or pause in silence can help calm the nervous system and restore focus. These brief moments of stillness are essential to sustaining ourselves throughout the day

– Prioritising tasks: When everything feels urgent, prioritising tasks can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Ask yourself, ‘What must be done today? What can be delegated or delayed? And what can I let go of?’. Streamlining your workload in this way creates space and preserves energy for what truly matters

– Setting boundaries: Setting boundaries is another act of self-preservation. It is OK to say ‘no’ or ‘not now’, especially when responding to non-clinical demands. Clear communication about your limits protects your energy and helps prevent emotional exhaustion from creeping in

– Peer support: Perhaps most importantly, don’t carry the stress alone. Peer support is powerful. A quick check-in with a colleague, a chat over coffee, or a simple message asking how someone is doing can be a lifeline for both of you. Take small, sustainable steps that allow us not just to survive the workload but to protect our wellbeing within it

– Reducing the stigma around stress: Reducing the stigma around stress starts with open and honest conversations. Recognising stress as a natural response to everyday challenges allows us to see it as part of human experiences

– When we share our own experiences with stress and talk about how we cope, it fosters a supportive culture, making it easier for others to talk about their struggles. It is important to avoid language that dismisses, trivialises, or judges stress. Instead, we should listen with empathy and offer positive encouragement

– By normalising stress and treating it as a manageable issue rather than a personal failing, we can collectively reduce the stigma surrounding it

– Improving workplace culture around stress: Employers play a crucial role in shaping a workplace culture that supports mental well-being

– To create a healthier environment, leaders should prioritise mental health through clear stress management policies, the promotion of work-life balance, and training on recognising and managing stress

– Providing access to employee assistance programmes and mental health resources and encouraging regular breaks can help prevent burnout

– Flexible work arrangements and regular check-ins address individual needs while emphasising psychological safety and open discussions about stress, empowering employees to seek support without hesitation

– Employers should lead by example, gathering feedback on well-being and refining their approaches based on employee input, which contributes to a supportive and inclusive workplace

– The role of stress management professionals: Stress management professionals offer valuable expertise in building resilience, teaching relaxation techniques, and creating coping strategies tailored to each individual’s needs

– They provide practical tools, such as mindfulness exercises and cognitive behavioural approaches, that help people develop healthier ways to handle stress

– By working one-on-one or in group settings, these professionals support individuals in navigating daily challenges more effectively, building resilience and promoting long-term well-being. Their guidance is essential in helping people manage stress in more sustainable and meaningful ways

– The impact of hybrid working: Hybrid working can be an effective way to reduce stress for many employees by providing greater flexibility and control over their work environment. For some, the ability to work from home minimises commuting time, which can reduce stress and improve work-life balance. However, hybrid working is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as it may create a sense of isolation for some. Employers can maximise the benefits of hybrid work by ensuring clear communication, supporting regular check-ins and strengthening team cohesion. When implemented with care, hybrid working enables employees to structure their work in a way that supports their personal needs and well-being.

Support available for stress and mental health in Wales