It's Stress Awareness Month which means it's time to talk about the stress epidemic impacting each and every one of us.
Despite being one of the leading public health challenges, stress is still not taken seriously as a legitimate medical problem.
If unresolved, stress can manifest as a physical complication such as heart disease, or lead to serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
In this blog, we look at what you can do to raise awareness of stress in the workplace and the actions we can all take to reduce stress in our day-to-day lives.
1. 30-day challenge
The Stress Management Society has set a 30-day challenge for April which encourages people to do something each day that will help improve physical, mental and emotional well-being.
For example, you might choose to go for a walk after work for your physical health, read your favourite book for your mental health and call a friend for your emotional well-being.
The idea of this initiative is to get people to turn these actions into part of their routine. Why not give it a go this April?
2. Prioritise yourself
Whether you’re the archetype of a people pleaser, or simply don’t know how to set boundaries at work - it’s important to recalibrate how much of your energy is actually being set aside for you. Carve out time in your day to focus specifically on your needs and what makes you happy. Even if this means saying no to people, it is so important to incorporate self-care into your everyday life for a happier life!
3. Talk to your friends
Suffering in silence never did anyone any favours. Reach out to a friend, grab a coffee, pint or cheeky Nandos and have a catch-up. Good friends will be there for you through thick and thin, so never feel like you can’t ask for help or use them to have a bit of a vent. Getting your emotions out in the open is also really useful and can help clear your mind.
4. Kindness is key
We know it’s cliché, but always be kind! You never know what people are going through, so make the effort to smile and ask people how they are. This will help create a more positive work environment and hopefully encourage people to spread kindness too.
Remember, help is always available. Give the Samaritans a call on 116 123 if you need someone to talk to.
Let's make this April a positive one!
Kommentare