News: International Stress Awareness Week 2nd – 6th November 2020
International Stress Awareness Week is celebrated annually in the first week of November and is an awareness event that aims to shine a light on stress and mental health issues, while also raising awareness and promoting support services.
New research from the Mental Health Foundation along with collaborating universities has revealed that more than 8 in 10 adults have experienced stress as a result of the pandemic. It has brought uncertainty and challenges into our lives that we have never had to face before. This may have resulted in many of us having experienced increased levels of stress, which given the circumstances, is completely normal.
Five days of news and commentary from experts and business practitioners will be broadcast on an ongoing basis, with a different theme every day. International Stress Awareness Week has grown as a major annual stress management event.. Subjects this year’s event will address include –
- Experiences people have with mental health challenges and what can be done to help them
- How employers are responding to mental health issues and what can be learned
- Campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues
- The role of stress management professionals in alleviating stress, with practical and proven techniques for building resilience
- What further actions need to be taken in the light of the pandemic and possible changes in future working practices
- Ensuring that those suffering from stress know where to go to seek advice
Reducing stress in COVID
As we enter a second lockdown, the physical and mental health impact of the coronavirus outbreak is still very much present in our daily lives. Below are a few suggestions on how to reduce unwanted stress during these challenging times:
- Get active: Physical activity can help alleviate stress and calm the mind. Your mind as well as your body will benefit from engaging in physical activity every day, whether it is a socially distant walk or an online exercise class at home. According to The Mental Health Foundation’s research, 59% of UK adults who had experienced stress because of the pandemic said walking outside helped them cope, while 50% of the participants said visiting green spaces, such as parks, helped them manage their stress levels.
- A little kindness goes a long way: Supporting and helping others allows us to take a break from our hectic schedules, which helps us gain perspective and prepare us to better cope with challenging circumstances. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts endorphins, leaving you feeling uplifted. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself too.
- Stay connected: We all enjoy connecting with our loved ones. Catching up with a friend or family member while social distancing and having a talk about your feelings or concerns can ease your mind. Make sure you stay up to date with the latest government guidelines in your region. If meeting in person is not possible, technology helps us stay in touch by phone, video calls, or social media. 47% of UK adults who took part in the Mental Health Foundation study said contacting family (eg by phone, video chat, etc) had helped them cope.
- Self-care: When we feel stressed, we often put our own happiness and the things that bring us joy on the sidelines. Make sure that you schedule some time for yourself to relax and partake in your favourite hobbies.
- Relax your mind: Mindfulness practices and breathing techniques can help manage your stress and fear about the future by allowing you to focus on the present. There are a variety of mindfulness apps, online videos, and tutorials that can help you deal with difficult emotions and relax your mind.
Think about the role that stress plays in your life this International Stress Awareness Week. If you feel that you experience stress regularly, spend some time researching ways that can help reduce your stress, such as the tips suggested in this guidance. You can also have a look at the various stress management courses we have available.