Stress Awareness Month: Taking time to recharge

From conversations I have had with people over the last year, I definitely believe general understanding and awareness of stress and burnout is increasing, as is people’s openness to talk about it. However, all the reports are saying that levels of stress and burnout are higher than ever. So where is the disconnect? We understand the signs of stress, we know how to maintain balance, but something is stopping us from putting that into practice.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a timely opportunity for us all to pause and reflect on what we are actually doing to identify and manage our own stress, and how we can utilise our understanding to support the people around us.

Understanding Stress

Stress is a natural response to challenges and demands. In small doses it can be helpful, motivating us to tackle tasks and overcome obstacles. But when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming it can take a toll on both our physical and mental health. From disturbed sleep, digestive issues and weakened immune systems, the effects of stress can manifest in various ways, impacting every aspect of our lives.

Awareness is the first step towards managing stress effectively. Many people rush through daily routines without acknowledging the signs of stress or taking the time to address them.

Prioritising Self Care

With everything we have going on in our lives, taking time for ourselves can often take a back seat. But making self care a priority is essential for maintaining our overall wellbeing and resilience in the face of stress. And if we do this proactively, we create a powerful anti-virus that allows us to tackle stressful situations head on, and then return to balance more quickly.

The types of activities we choose to take part in will be different for each of us. It could be meditation and reflective tasks, time outdoors, being creative, making memories with our families, or getting active. Whatever we choose to do, by carving out dedicated time for self care, in the same way we do for work and other tasks we need to complete, we replenish our energy reserves and equip ourselves with the tools need to navigate life’s challenges.

But, as we have already identified, we aren’t always very good at taking the time to prioritise, and this means that stress can start to have an increasingly negative impact on our physical and mental health. This means we need to have a range of strategies at our disposal that we can tap into at different stress levels.

Low Stress

• Establish boundaries: Setting boundaries in our personal and professional lives can play a part in preventing stress from escalating. We need to practice saying no to additional commitments when our plates are already full and prioritise activities that bring us joy and relaxation.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity is great for our mental and physical health. There are lots of ways we can incorporate exercise into our daily routine, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym.
• Sleep well: Healthy sleep habits are important for various bodily functions, as well as helping our learning, memory creation and creative thinking. Good sleep is easier to maintain during periods of stress when we already have a regular routine in place.

Moderate Stress

• Manage your time: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help when we feel overwhelmed, particularly if we can then also prioritise them based on urgency and importance. We can also utilise time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to stay focused and productive.
• Talk about it: They say that a problem shared is a problem halved. Talking about our stressors with someone we trust can provide perspective and emotional relief, as well as strengthening our support networks. This could be with friends, family, or colleagues, or we could access a Mental Health First Aider.
• Practice self care: While we may not have the time or energy to do all the activities we usually enjoy, we should still take time to make self care a priority. Having a list ready of activities that help to redress our balance can help take away some of that pressure of deciding what to do. This could include having bath, reading a book, listening to our favourite playlist, or spending time in nature.

High Stress

• Focus on the fundamentals: When under prolonged high stress we are at greater risk of becoming unwell. It’s therefore more important than ever that we focus on the fundamentals; making sure that we are eating well, getting time for rest, spending time with people we care about; and getting some form of exercise.
• Take breaks: When stress levels are high, it’s essential to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. While stepping away from work or stressors for a few minutes won’t make them go away, it can give us a chance to breathe and prevent becoming too overwhelmed.
• Utilise coping strategies: Healthy coping tools like reflection, mindfulness or being creative can help us in managing intense stress. Challenging negative thought patterns allows us to reframe stressors and see a way forward.
• Seek professional help: If stress becomes overwhelming or starts to impact our daily functioning, we may benefit from accessing some professional help. A doctor or mental health professional could provide guidance, support, and therapeutic interventions to help us cope with stress more effectively.

Regardless of the level of stress we may be experiencing, remember that it’s essential to prioritise self care, seek support when needed, and implement healthy coping strategies. By taking proactive steps, or having a plan for the times we need to be reactive, we are going to be better at managing times of stress, establishing healthy habits, and helping to positively influence those around us.

So, this Stress Awareness Month, let’s commit to making self care a priority. Whether it’s through small daily rituals or larger lifestyle changes, every step towards effective stress management counts.

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