Coming to the End of Stress Awareness Month
- Bridie
- Apr 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Did you pick up any habits through April to help bring your stress levels down?
I have been genuinely impressed with the publicity that Stress Awareness Month has got this year. We've seen it so much more in the media, on social platforms and I've heard more people talking about their stress and the impact it is having on them.
Many professionals agree that stress is the epidemic of the 21st century. Stress is the negative reaction to excessive pressure. A little stress can be good as it helps us to focus and be productive. Long-term or severe stress can lead to burn-out, resulting in psychological and physical health issues.
At some point, we are all impacted by stress. So what does that look like?
Causes:
issues at work
financial difficulties
relationship problems
life changes (moving house, new baby)
health issues
loneliness
Symptoms:
heart palpitations
dry mouth
headaches
aches and pains
stomach problems
Stress can also effect our behaviours such as how much we eat, how much we exercise, smoking and drinking, whether we socialise etcetera.
Stress statistics 2023 as reported by Champion Heath:
7% feel stressed every single day.
74% of people have felt so stressed that they have been unable to cope
79% of people say they frequently feel work-related stress.
For the full list of statistics I recommend taking a look at Stress Statistics UK | 2023 Data | Champion Health
So What Can We Do?
Try some self-help techniques! There are lots of resources out there for the public, including videos and guides on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) methods, resilience building and so on.
Talk to someone This can be a friend, loved one, or a mental health profession. Hell, it could be me! Social support can help when you're struggling.
Be more active Regularly activity helps you to burn off excess energy. It also reduces stress hormones and releases feel good endorphins.
Plan ahead If you know you have a stressful event or a deadline coming up, plan ahead for it. Create a to-do list to complete beforehand, have your outfit ready to go, book your taxi/train if needed. If everything is ready, you can relax a little.
Split up daunting tasks If you have a big project underway and it seems overwhelming, take 10 minutes before you even begin to break it down into smaller, simpler tasks.
Positive mental attitude Easier said than done! I know! But try a simple gratitude practice. Mindfulness and meditation can work wonders too but you're probably sick of hearing that. Seriously though... they help.
References
Champion Health (2023) Mental Health Statistics 2023 [online] Available at Mental Health Statistics | 2023 Data | Champion Health
NHS (2023) Every Mind Matters, Dealing with Stress [online] Available at Stress - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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