Take a breath: quick fire stress relief techniques to try now.

The busiest months in the retail calendar are fast approaching. Combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis and the usual chaos of the festive period, it’s a time of year when our stress levels can sometimes feel a bit out of control.

To help, we’ve gathered a team of experts to get you and your finances in peak shape ahead of the peak season. There are simple steps and techniques for everything from in-the-moment stress relief, to where to go to get support if you’re struggling. There’s financial help too including top tips to help you pay your next bill and a round-up of the best up-to-the-minute money advice to help ease the pressure, whatever your circumstances. Plus, if you have more time, there are more in-depth ways to manage stress and build resilience to help get you through the busiest season and beyond.

How stressed do you feel?

Take the two-minute assessment to find out your level of stress.

Start now

Browse our resources for simple steps and techniques for everything from in-the-moment stress relief, to where to go to get support if you’re struggling. 

  • Woman closing her eyes taking a breath during a run

    Mindlessness versus mindfulness (and why you need both in your life)

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust by Rose Bundock

    Want to boost your wellbeing? Chances are you’ve been recommended mindfulness. The act of being in the present moment has loads of benefits, not least calming our busy multi-tasking minds. 

  • FInd-the-right-support

    Take five: find the right support if you’re struggling

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    It can be difficult to know where to turn if you’re struggling with your mental health. Cliff Lee, director of wellbeing services at the Retail Trust, explains how to get the support you need.

  • Woman sat at her kitchen table looking at laptop and doing calculations

    Six money-saving websites to bookmark now

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust by Rosie Mullender

    If you’re feeling confused about your finances, you’re certainly not alone – but these six experts are here to help you feel more money-savvy.

  • self-care-video-thumbnail

    Wellbeing 101: self-care and stress relief for busy people

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Between demanding jobs and hectic home lives many of us feel stressed and depleted at the end of the day and struggle to make time for self-care. We asked the experts for advice on how you can make time for yourself and speedy stress-relievers for when pressure is high and time is short.

  • Man sitting calmly with his eyes closed

    Ten quick ways to lower stress levels in under five minutes

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Whether you’ve just had a run-in with a tricky customer or feel rising stress just before a big meeting, there isn’t always time to implement long-term stress solutions so here are some quick and easy tactics to help you in the moment.

  • COuple looking at a laptop in their home whilst sifting through paperwork

    How to pay your next bill

    Exclusive content from Louis Masserella for the Retail Trust

    Whether it’s related to the cost of living crisis, a sign of mounting debts or you’re simply a little short of money, it’s sometimes hard to keep on top of your day-to-day finances. So, follow our top tips for balancing the books as quickly and satisfactorily as possible. 

  • How-to-stay-safe-in-store

    Take five: how to stay safe in store

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Verbal abuse from customers can be frightening and stressful. Cliff Lee, director of wellbeing services at the Retail Trust, explains how to stay safe and look out for your colleagues.

  • video2

    Five ways to lower stress in under five minutes

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Fast in-the-moment calming techniques for when you feel your stress levels rising.

  • Jayne Morris on stage at Together Fest

    The seven signs of burnout and five ways to restore balance

    The result of a combination of factors, burnout is a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Together Fest speaker, Jayne Morris, explains how to recognise the signs of burnout and bring balance back to your life.

  • Lady sat at a coffee table using tablet

    How stressed do you feel?

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Please choose the answers that best describe your thoughts and feelings during the past month.

  • Barista making coffee

    How to turn busy into balance

    Life coach Sara Cameron explores being busy, why we become busy, and what we can do to feel less overwhelmed and more balanced.

  • Man sat on sofa looking fed up

    Understanding stress and why it’s important to address it early

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    One common myth surrounding stress is that it’s an illness. Unchecked, sustained stress of any kind can cause us to develop mental and physical health problems which is why it’s so important to address stress before it overwhelms you.

  • Woman sat at table massaging her temples

    Understanding burnout

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Many of us use the term burnout to describe feeling fed-up or stressed. But burnout goes well beyond that, and at its most severe can cause us to feel unable to respond to even the most basic of tasks. Anyone can reach burnout but there are steps that you can take to avoid it all together.

  • Andrea woodside headshot

    Understanding Burnout | Andrea Woodside

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    Many of us use the term burnout to describe feeling fed-up or stressed. But burnout goes well beyond that, and at its most severe can cause us to feel unable to respond to even the most basic of tasks.

  • Personal resilience

    17 ways to boost your resilience

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust by Andrea Woodside and Miranda Eason

    During challenging times we need resilience more than ever. But what is it and how do we get it? 

  • Chris-Stoddard-1

    “I thought I couldn’t cope, until the Retail Trust showed me how.”

    Exclusive content from the Retail Trust

    When Chris Stoddart, 43, suffered a panic attack at work, he found himself walking out – but a Retail Trust counsellor helped him find his way back.

Customer resources

Man drinking a cup of tea and reading a newspaper

Stress relief resources

2022-10-03T11:12:00+01:00

The Retail Trust offers a range of resources about stress relief to help you support your employees.

How stressed do you feel?

Take the two-minute assessment to find out your level of stress.

Start now