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Mental Health

Stress Awareness Month 2022

by Laura Clipson

• Published 04/04/2022

What is Stress Awareness Month?

Stress Awareness Month has been held annually every April since 1992 to raise awareness of both the causes and cures for stress. Statistics have shown that 74% of adults in the UK have experienced stress that overwhelmed them and made them feel like they couldn’t cope.
There have been many recent events that have only added to people’s stress levels, so it’s more important than ever that we’re able to have open conversations with others who may be experiencing similar struggles.

This year’s theme for Stress Awareness Month is community. A lack of support can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation, which in turn causes stress to rise. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to mental health so people don’t feel comfortable discussing it with others. As well as causing a decline in mental health, stress can also cause or exacerbate physical issues and illnesses, so it should be taken seriously.

How can I take part in Stress Awareness Month?

The simplest and most important way you can take part is to have open conversations about stress with friends, family and colleagues, to help reduce the stigma still attached to mental health

Show compassion to others who may be experiencing stress, and maybe reach out to help someone who may be struggling

Share your coping mechanisms - if something has worked for you to help reduce your stress levels, let others know

Look after yourself and make time to relax

Take part in the 30 Day Challenge - the idea is to pick one action each for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to carry out every day - there are also actions for social and spiritual wellness. For more information visit stress.org.uk/30daychallenge

What are some tips for reducing stress?

One of life’s biggest stressors is work, so try to maintain a work life balance. Utilise your time off; even your lunch breaks can be useful in reducing stress. You could go for a lunchtime walk to clear your head, or do some yoga

Exercise regularly - numerous studies have shown the benefits exercise can have on mental health and stress

Eat well - it’s easy to fall into bad eating habits when stressed, but it’s important to maintain a healthy diet

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep - lack of sleep can increase stress, so it’s important to make sure you get enough. If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, make some time to wind down in the evening, e.g. no screen time an hour before bedtime

Take up a hobby - a hobby you can take part in as a group is ideal, as it also allows you to socialise with like-minded people

If you feel overwhelmed, pause for a moment. Take deep breaths and try to clear your mind, then when you’ve calmed down turn your attention back to your stress and try to calmly figure out a way to overcome it. If you’re unable to, ask someone else for help.

For more information and resources to help you combat your stress, visit the website stress.org.uk

Thank you for reading.

For more ways to help reduce stress, why not take a look at our blog on Mindfulness by clicking the button below:

Mindfulness - How To Be Mindful