Just a brief mention about an annual event which I highlighted last year and which I referred to back in April this year. Stress is a condition that can affect everyone at some time in their lives and probably touches more people than we know – or they realise themselves.
Stress Awareness Week commences today (Monday 4th November) and this year’s theme Is ‘Campaigning to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing’, which is essentially what the International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK)has been doing for 50 years. They have been raising awareness of stress around the world and working to improve the ways in which stress is managed in the workplace and in our personal lives.
The middle of the week is marked by International Stress Awareness Day (6th November this year) to increase public awareness and help people recognize, manage, and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives. In 2022 – 2023 statistics reveal that there were more than 850,000 cases of stress, depression or anxiety related to the workplace which were the cause of 49% of instances of work-related ill-health which resulted in 54% of all working days lost due to work-related illness.
Stress really is more than simply “feeling off colour” or “a little down”. It strikes deep into the everyday lives of the people who suffer with it, along with their partners and families.
Stress Awareness Week provides us all with a chance to improve our understanding of what causes stress and how depression and anxiety can affect us and the people around us. There will be plenty of media interest and this always seems to amplify the message that it is so important to be mindful of the pressures that “just living” places upon all of us. In my opinion, the modern climate of being constantly connected to the internet and the rest of the world through our phones can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of guilt for taking ‘time out’ and being un-contactable for a period of time.
Trusty NHS Guidance
The NHS has the following suggestions for addressing it if you are feeling stressed, whether with work something more personal. Taken from NHS.uk
“Try these 10 stress-busting suggestions:
Be active
Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly. Get started with exercise
Take control
If you think you cannot do anything about your problem, your stress can get worse.
That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing.
The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it’s a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.
Connect with people
A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.
The activities we do with friends can help us relax and relieve stress.
Talking things through with a friend may also help you find solutions to your problems. Read about 5 steps to mental wellbeing, including the benefits of connecting with other people.
Have some “me time”
Many of us work long hours, meaning we often don’t spend enough time doing things we really enjoy.
It’s important to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise.
You could try setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality “me time” away from work.
Challenge yourself
Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, can help build confidence. This may help you deal with stress.
It can also make you want to do things and be active.
Avoid unhealthy habits
Don’t rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping.
They might provide temporary relief, but in the long term, these crutches won’t solve your problems. They’ll just create new ones.
It’s best to tackle the cause of your stress.
Help other people
Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, often become more resilient.
If you don’t have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues.
Work smarter, not harder
Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that’ll make a real difference.
Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that you will not have time for everything.
Try to be positive
Look for the positives in life, and things for which you’re grateful.
Try writing down 3 things that went well, or for which you’re grateful, at the end of every day.
Accept the things you can’t change
Changing a difficult situation isn’t always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over.
For example, if your company is making redundancies, you could focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job.
Final point….
Stress can affect anybody and everybody at some time. This is when you find out how valuable your friendships and connections are. Don’t hold it in. Look for help. Talk it out.
I am a firm believer in the stress-reducing effects of exercise – whether its lifting weights, stretching, or going for a walk or run. Time away from screens and social pressures really helps me!
Research and Acknowledgements
befitnessandpt.co.uk 