Posted Date: 6th April 2023
April is stress awareness month, its aim is to remind us of the importance of taking time to break and recognise what the purpose of stress is, our triggers, how it affects us physically and mentally, and the impact it has on our day-to-day lives.
Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives.
Every April since 1992. stress awareness month has been successful in understanding the stigma around mental health It is designed to open conversations about stress in our lives and remove some of the embarrassments around talking about stress.
According to the Mental Health Foundation 74% of UK Adults have reported to have felt stressed at some stage of their life to the point where they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope with a certain situation.
Are you aware of the causes of stress identified within the workplace?
• Workload
• Management style
• Outside of work influences such as family and relationship issues
• Relationships at work
• Personal illness or health issues
• demands to meet targets
Do any of these look familiar to you?
We all suffer from stress at some point in our lives. Stress can lead to many problems mentally and physically, such as weight loss, heart disease, insomnia, and immune system difficulties to name a few.
Talking about stress can be helpful, and it might be worth reaching out to someone you trust or seek professional help where necessary. This is a great time to encourage others to talk about their feelings, too, and always try to be there for those individuals who may appear to be overwhelmed. People cope with stress differently, so sharing personal experiences of coping might also help someone else. Take them aside, sit with them and ask genuinely if they are okay. Just listening to their worries can help them, offer them assistance if necessary and if appropriate give them a hug! We’re all human and we all need to work together in times of need.
So, this year lets embrace Stress Awareness Month and try to perceive ideas in a positive light, be a glass half full not half empty this way everyday you will wake up feeling happier and more positive about the future.