Chelmsford Private GPs: What 3 Years of Practice Has Taught Us About Managing Stress

As we approach our 3rd anniversary on 2nd May at Chelmsford Private GPs, we’ve taken a moment to reflect—not just on building a successful clinic, but on what it really takes to balance clinical work, business ownership, and family life.

The truth? Stress is real. And even as doctors, we’ve had to actively learn how to manage it.

Through both our professional training and lived experience, we’ve come back time and time again to the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Here’s what has genuinely helped us—and what we often share with our patients.

Move Your Body

Exercise has been one of our most powerful stress-relievers.

• Dr Onen enjoys cycling and 11-a-side football
• Dr Abeyratna prefers gym sessions
• Dr Graham values family walks

You don’t need to overcomplicate it—just 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (as simple as five brisk 30 minute walks a week) can significantly improve mood, sleep, and resilience to stress. Any movement counts and physical activity has been our protective shield and de-stressor during the last three years.

Nature Is Medicine

Simply spending time outside—whether it’s a walk in the park, gardening, or sitting in the garden—has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mood. Green spaces and nature have a calming effect on our nervous system and have been an important de-stressor for us outside of the clinic.

Eat Well, Feel Well

A balanced, whole-food diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins supports both physical and mental health. We’ve all found that when we prioritise good nutrition—even in busy weeks—we feel sharper, calmer, and more resilient. When we’re tired or stressed we naturally reach for less nutritious convenience foods. Being aware of this and trying to ‘stress eat’ healthily is important.

Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is non-negotiable. Chronic sleep deprivation worsens anxiety, increases stress hormones, and impairs our ability to make good decisions. We’ve each had to be intentional about sleep hygiene—setting a consistent bedtime, limiting screens, and protecting our rest as a clinical priority.

Connect With Others

Social connection is one of the most powerful buffers against stress. Whether it’s talking to a colleague, spending time with family, or being part of a community, human connection matters. Running a practice together means we lean on each other—and that support has been invaluable.

Minimise Harmful Substances

Alcohol, caffeine in excess, and other substances can worsen anxiety and disrupt sleep. Managing intake—even when the temptation to ‘unwind’ increases during stressful periods—has been part of our own stress management toolkit.

What This Means for Our Patients

We share these pillars not just because the evidence supports them, but because we’ve lived them. When we talk to patients about stress management, lifestyle changes, or burnout, it comes from a genuine place of experience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling to cope, please reach out. A conversation with your GP is always a good place to start.

To book an appointment at Chelmsford Private GPs, click here.