The three key causes for concern for 2020 were feelings of disconnection, uncertainty, and a worrying loss of control. Therefore this years theme for Stress Awareness Month is:
Regain Connection
Certainty
Controll
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures of our modern stress epidemic. Despite this running, for 29 years we have got a long way to go.
According to the Mental health Foundation 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Millions of us around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress and it is damaging our health. Stress is one of the great public health challenges of our time, but it still isn’t being taken as seriously as physical health concerns.
Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression. It is also linked to physical health problems like heart disease, problems with our immune system, insomnia, and digestive problems. Individually we need to understand what is causing us personal stress and learn what steps we can take to reduce it for ourselves and those around us. (Stress Awareness Society)
Stress is primarily a physical response. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.
Fight
Flight
Freeze
Brain Fog
Poor Judgement
Concentration
Panic
Anxiety
Overwhelmed
High Blood Pressure
Rapid heart rate
Aches & Pains
Demotivated
Sleeping too much/little
Isolation
Talk to others, friends, family members, colleagues. Talking helps to get it out there and helps people to understand about you
Remember your coping strategies. Meditation, switching of social media before bedtime and practicing your sleep routine
Eat and drink well, go for a walk or exercise.
Learn to say no. It is one thing to help you not become overladed. It really is ok to say no and look after yourself.
Read and learn about what Stress can do to you so you have a better understanding of its effects, this will help with your own self-resilience.
Practice whatever mindfulness you and adapt it for life
To find out more about welling please visit our website click here
Be the first to hear new dates of our public courses and keep up to date with our news and blogs please join our mailing list
