Stress awareness month

23 Apr

Stress Awareness Month is held every April to raise awareness about the impact of stress on our lives and to provide resources and tools to help individuals manage stress effectively. The month-long campaign highlights the importance of recognising the signs of stress, such as irritability, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping and taking proactive steps to address these symptoms before they lead to more severe health problems. Stress Awareness Month also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help if they are struggling with stress or other mental health issues. Stress Awareness Month promotes greater well-being and resilience for individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and outreach. In this blog, you can read about the causes of stress and how to manage stress better.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat or challenge. When we experience stress, our body's "fight or flight" response kicks in, and we release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare us to take action, whether running away from danger or confronting a challenge. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can negatively affect our physical and mental health.

What causes stress?

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and everyone experiences it at some point. By understanding stress causes, we can recognise our triggers and develop healthy coping strategies. In this blog post, we'll explore some common causes of stress and how they can affect us.

Work-related stress

Work-related stress is a prevalent issue for many people. Long hours, demanding deadlines, and workplace conflicts can all contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Moreover, with the rise of remote work and blurred boundaries between work and personal life, switching off from work-related stressors can be challenging.

Financial stress

Money is a significant source of stress for many people. Worries about bills, debt, and financial insecurity can damage our mental health. Moreover, financial stress can be compounded by other stressors like work or relationship issues.

Health-related stress

Health-related stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic illness, injury, and concerns about our overall well-being. Health-related stress can lead to anxiety and depression, which can further exacerbate our physical health issues.

Relationship stress

Relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners can also be sources of stress. Conflicts, misunderstandings, and communication issues can all contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, loneliness or social isolation can cause stress for some people.

Life changes

Life changes like moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going through a breakup can all be significant sources of stress. While these changes may ultimately be positive, they can still be stressful in the short term.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress can lead to several mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. It can also impact our ability to concentrate, make decisions, and cope with daily life. For people with pre-existing mental health conditions, stress can exacerbate symptoms and make it harder to manage their condition.

Managing Stress

Although it might often be challenging to take the cause of the stress away, there are ways to manage stress, and it's essential to find the best techniques for you. Some common strategies include:

Exercise: Regular exercise can be a great way to reduce stress. Physical activity can help release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain and can also help reduce the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Exercise can take many forms, from walking or running to practising yoga or lifting weights. Finding an activity you enjoy can make it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine, leading to long-term benefits for your physical and mental health. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help you manage stress more effectively, improve your overall mood, and boost your energy levels.

Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or body scan exercises can help us tune into the sensations in our bodies and release tension. With regular practice, mindfulness can help us become more aware of our triggers for stress and better equipped to manage them. By approaching our experiences with curiosity and openness, we can reduce the impact of stress on our physical and mental health and improve our overall well-being.

Connect with others: Social support is crucial for managing stress. Talking to friends or family can help you feel less alone and more supported. If you don’t have many friends, you could join a sports club, a hobby club, a Meetup or other social group to get to know new people.

Set boundaries: Learning to say no and setting boundaries can help you avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed. We can prevent overcommitting ourselves and feeling overwhelmed by limiting our time, energy, and resources. This might involve saying no to requests that don't align with our priorities or values, delegating tasks to others, or simply taking breaks when we need them.

(online) stress management course: A stress management course can be beneficial in learning how to deal better with sudden stressful situations. Depending on where you live, there might also be local workshops to learn practical strategies for managing stress.

Seek professional help: If you're struggling with chronic stress or mental health issues, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial.