Reconnecting With Your Mental Health

Helpful Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety

By Marie Finan – Cardiff Counsellor

It’s natural to experience periods of emotional or mental strain—especially in today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world. Whether you’ve been navigating a particularly tough patch or are simply starting to notice the signs of burnout, it’s important to remember: your mental health matters.

As a Cardiff counsellor, I often work with people who’ve spent months (or years) carrying stress silently, believing they should be able to “handle it” on their own. But the truth is, we all need support sometimes—and even small steps can help bring relief.

Here are a few gentle tips to help you manage stress and anxiety, and a reminder that therapy in Cardiff is always available if you need to talk.

1. Take Small Steps to Manage Stress

When life feels overwhelming, the idea of “fixing” everything can feel impossible. But managing stress doesn’t require huge changes. Here are a few daily practices that can really help:

• Mindful BreathingTry this: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 4. Even a few minutes a day can calm your nervous system and quiet anxious thoughts.

• Grounding TechniquesThis simple 5-4-3-2-1 practice brings you back to the present moment:5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.

• Set Gentle BoundariesStress often builds when we take on too much. It’s okay to say “no,” delegate tasks, or ask for help. Setting boundaries protects your energy and your mental health.

  
  

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Judgement

Many of us minimise our struggles or feel guilty for needing support. But your emotions are valid—whether you're feeling sad, overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck.

One thing I often remind clients in therapy in Cardiff is that acknowledging our feelings is not a weakness—it’s an act of courage. Giving yourself compassion, instead of criticism, helps you begin the healing process.

3. Check In with Yourself Regularly

Self-awareness is key to emotional wellbeing. Try taking just a few minutes each day to ask yourself:

• How am I feeling today?

• What’s on my mind right now?

• What do I need today—mentally, emotionally, or physically?

This daily check-in can help you recognise what’s building beneath the surface before it becomes overwhelming.

4. Reconnect with Therapy If You Need Extra Support

Therapy isn’t just for moments of crisis. Many of my returning clients say they benefit most when they use counselling as a space for reflection, balance, and emotional maintenance—not just emergency support.

If we’ve worked together before and life feels heavy again, I’d love to reconnect. And if you’re considering counselling in Cardiff for the first time, I offer a safe, confidential space to explore whatever you’re experiencing.

Whether you’re facing anxiety, burnout, grief, or simply need to talk something through, therapy can offer practical tools and genuine relief.

Final Thoughts

If stress is taking a toll, please don’t go through it alone. You deserve support, balance, and care. As a Cardiff therapist, I’m here to help you reconnect with your inner resources and move toward a calmer, more confident version of yourself.

📩 If you're thinking about returning to therapy—or starting for the first time—feel free to reach out. I offer a free consultation and flexible appointment times.

Take care,

Marie Finan

Counsellor Cardiff | Therapy Cardiff | Counselling in Cardiff