National Stress Awareness Month
April is national stress awareness month, it has been held every April since 1992. The aim is to raise awareness of the negative impact of stress as well as the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic.
What is stress?
Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Stress can be a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. At some point in everyone’s life, they will experience stress to some degree. The way in which we respond to stress will make a huge difference to our overall well-being.
How does stress affect us?
Stress can affect both the mind and the body. Not all stress is bad, in fact a little bit is good and it can help us to perform daily activities. However, too much stress can cause us problems, physically and mentally. It can make it hard to relax and can come with a range of emotions, including anxiety and irritability. It may give us headaches, or trouble sleeping. By learning how to cope with stress, it can make us feel less overwhelmed and support our physical and mental well-being.
Here is 6 ways that can help you to handle stress:
- Challenge yourself; set goals or challenges whether that be in or outside of work. Something that motivates you.
- Exercise. Exercise releases endorphins which improve moods and can relieve tension and stress.
- Try to be positive; write down 3 things you are grateful for everyday.
- Listen to your body, take time to unwind and relax, do something that you enjoy.
- Talk to others, people that
you trust. - Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media
- Avoids drugs and alcohol.
For information about managing stress, click here.
