The best books, films, and podcasts for stress

We’ve been talking about stress all month. We've shared tips for de-stressing, great places to walk, ways to improve your diet... but what is stress?

Before you can beat stress, you really need to understand what it is and learn more about the things that make you stress. These are often called triggers. Perhaps this is coursework, it might be exams, or it could be trying to keep up with the latest trends.

We’ve rounded up a great list of books, podcasts and films that are perfect for helping you understand more about stress, the triggers, and different ways to help reduce or avoid stress in the future.

BOOKS

1, The subtle art of not giving a f*ck - by Mark Manson

A light-hearted approach to understanding stress and ways to start thinking more positively about yourself and your lifestyle. This book will help you change your mindset from being negative and thinking the worst to being positive and seeing there is a good side to things. Being able to change your mindset to think more positively can have a huge impact on your stress levels and mental wellbeing.

2, Burnout: the secret to solving the stress cycle - by Emily Nagoski

This book is more aimed towards females and explores how women experience stress and burn out differently compared to men. Talking about the biological stress cycle, the unrealistic standards of the beauty world, and finding peace with your worst critic - yourself. It also suggests different ideas to change your way of thinking so you can manage stress, empower yourself, and thrive in all situations.

3, Am I overthinking this? - by Michelle Rial

At first glance, this book looks like a comical picture book full of bizarre diagrams and illustrations of nonsense. But a closer look reveals that it is just as educational as it is amusing. You can use this as a way to remind yourself that there isn't always one clear answer or solution to a problem, and sometimes, it is best to choose one direction and take a leap of faith.

FILMS

4, Headspace guide to meditation - Netflix Original

A Netflix Original narrated by former monk and the co-founder of the Headspace meditation app, Andy Puddicombe. He takes viewers through the benefits and science behind meditation while being accompanied by simple yet beautiful animations that make you feel calm and relaxed.

5, The mind, explained - Netflix Original

A mini documentary series, consisting of five 20-minute videos that dive into what really goes on in your head. It covers things such as memory, anxiety, and mindfulness while exploring why your brain does certain things, like remembering an event slightly differently from what actually happened.

6, 7 simple tips to reduce your stress - AsapSCIENCE on YouTube

A short illustrated video giving a light-hearted look at the different ways to reduce your stress. It’s really informative and goes into the science behind stress while putting it into a simple, easy way to understand. From watching a movie to using a fidget spinner, everyone will find new stress-reducing techniques worth trying out!

PODCASTS

7, The stress & anxiety podcast - by Matthew Coddee

Short and simple episodes talking about anxiety and OCD. This podcast uses real-life situations to explain and talk through strategies to overcome any triggers. Matt Coddee is a licensed clinical social worker and also specialises in these mental disorders. He uses his experience as well as medically approved techniques to help you build better mental health and become the best you.

8, Burnout buster - shed the stress! By Pam Burrows people booster

This is the perfect podcast for anyone who works too hard and doesn’t take enough rest when they need it. Burnout busters helps you to recognise what you do that burns you out and helps you find healthy alternatives that will reduce stress and make you feel good. Pam Burrows’ mission is to cheer you up, calm you down, and stop you from going POP!

9, Send me to sleep podcast - world’s sleepiest stories, meditation and hypnosis - By Send me to Sleep

Are you struggling to fall asleep? Is the stress of your day-to-day life making you toss and turn at night? This podcast is designed to help you fall asleep by using meditation and stories to help clear and relax your mind. It will reduce your stress levels and send you into a deep and peaceful sleep.

These are just a few of the books, films, and podcasts out there to help you understand stress, the different ways to identify your triggers, and discover ways to help reduce and keep those stress levels down. Everyone handles and deals with stress differently, so it’s important to find what works for you.

Let us know if there are any books, films or podcasts you’d add to our list!