Unfortunately, stress has long become an inseparable part of modern society. Demanding jobs, domestic responsibilities, and the fast-paced urban lifestyle all take a toll on our mental health. Leeds is no exception. Life in our city is filled with activity, work, and study. As a result, this rhythm often leads to increased stress, especially among women who balance careers, families, and social lives. Today, we explore how women in Leeds can relieve stress right here in the city. Read more at leedska.com.
Nature and Physical Activity as Tools Against Stress
According to the Leeds Mental Health Strategy 2020–2025, over 16% of Leeds residents have sought medical help for anxiety and depression. As of 2025, stress levels among young people have risen by approximately 20% compared to previous years. That’s why, to support emotional wellbeing, psychologists in Leeds recommend spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity. Leeds is known for its abundance of green spaces – parks, gardens, and cycling routes. It is well established that being active in nature, particularly regular walking and jogging, helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). For example, the “Leeds Girls Can” initiative engages thousands of women in physical activity, which benefits both physical health and mood.
It is also worth noting that meditation is becoming increasingly popular in Leeds, particularly among female students and professionals. Attending dedicated meditation groups or using mobile apps helps manage anxiety and calm the mind. In addition, psychological support centres such as Leeds Mind offer stress management and mood improvement courses, which over 3,000 women attended between 2024 and 2025.
Stress Must Be Treated
However, physical activity and nature walks are not the only tools in the fight against stress. The main stress-relief practices for women include:
- Psychotherapy and counselling. Statistics show that 50% of women who sought help from psychotherapists reported significant improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms. Leeds offers specialised services for women from diverse backgrounds, providing both individual and group therapy.
- Social support and volunteering. Women in Leeds actively participate in local communities, interest clubs, and volunteer organisations. According to research, social interaction and helping others increase feelings of purpose and life satisfaction, while reducing loneliness and stress.
- Healthy sleep and nutrition. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a balanced diet is considered a basic yet highly effective method for reducing stress.
Overall, Leeds offers a number of programmes and specialised courses aimed at improving women’s mental health:
- Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service (WCTS). Provides free or low-cost psychotherapy and counselling services for women and girls in Leeds. They specialise in supporting women who have experienced violence, difficult life situations, depression, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Services are also available to low-income transgender women. The organisation offers both one-to-one and group sessions.
- Livewell Leeds (Shantona Women’s Centre). This programme focuses on enhancing women’s mental health and wellbeing. It includes personalised support plans, group sessions, themed workshops, outings, and guest lectures by mental health professionals. There is a strong emphasis on building women’s confidence and autonomy.
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS). Offers free online courses and one-off sessions featuring practical methods for managing stress and improving mental health. Programmes include support for women during and after pregnancy, one-to-one consultations, group therapy, and assistance in returning to work. Both online and in-person sessions are available.
We hope that women in Leeds continue to receive the support they need to live healthier, more balanced lives.