The month of April is where we raise awareness of stress in our lives and the effects of this. This year’s theme is “Lead with Love”, giving empowerment to approach others with kindness and compassion.
These awareness months have been designed to educate people, promote self-care and wellbeing, to also encourage open dialogue around our mental health. There are different themes each year which can steer awareness and offer new perspectives on stress management and mental health.
There is so much pressure on individuals both in the workplace and personal lives. Much more is expected of us in the workplace – increased workload, having to cope with technological and organisational changes.
When we feel stressed how we communicate and react to others and situations will change; we may become more demanding of others, even critical which can lead to a negative and destructive environment.
Information overload can leave us feeling so overwhelmed that if left unattended to, can result in the brain just shutting down unable to digest anything new. This is the brain’s way of protecting itself from further damage.
In our personal lives information can be relayed by the media/social media, constant thoughts and opinions of others thrust upon us all can have an impact.
So when we consider “lead with love” I think about supporting others with kindness, compassion, and complete acceptance of someone’s situation. Take a look at the kindness calendar.
https://www.stress.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SAM-2025-Kindness-Calendar-1.pdf
If we accept this approach it can have a positive ripple effect, responding with love, we can nurture a better understanding and support one another in more meaningful ways. We can also let go of past hurt and anger that perhaps has built up over time.
This month is a great opportunity for individuals and organisations to come together with kindness to reduce stress and promote wellbeing. Here are some simple ideas that can be shared with friends and family too:
Take the 7 day stress solution programme which is free to subscribe to – Reduce Stress in 7 Days – The Stress Management Society
Learn to prioritise your health and look at the different aspects of your life
Learn how to get a good night’s sleep – Good Sleep for Good Health | NIH News in Health
Practice deep breathing, learning different breathing styles can help regulate your central nervous system. Learning to breathe in different ways can also help us manage pain. The Science of Breathing and the Nervous System: How Breathing Influences Relaxation and Alertness – Breatheology
Stay hydrated
Eat for wellbeing – take a look at the guide to nutrition and our mental health Food and mood – BDA
Get moving to combat stress – consider what type of movement/exercise you could commit to
https://stressremedy.co.uk/exercise-and-stress-relief-physical-activities-to-boost-mental-health/
Adopt a positive mindset – try to focus on one positive thing you have achieved at the end of each day.
Don’t be a slave to technology
Learn to say no – being confident and feeling as if you can say no are important ways to maintain healthy boundaries that stop us feeling overwhelmed or burdened by demands. The Art of Saying No: Setting Healthy Boundaries
If you are interested in learning more about the positive impact of compassion and kindness on your health take a look at The Compassionate Mind Foundation website which has a host of free resources.
https://www.stress.org.uk/lead-with-love-workshop/ https://thewellnessconsultancy.org/
Introduction to Stress Awareness Month | Mates in Mind
Take a look on our website for helpful guidance or contact us for support and advice – email: wellness-consultancy@outlook.com; Website: The Wellness Consultancy
Andrea Whittaker-Ward and Rachel Wesley
Counsellors and Clinical Supervisors
Tel: 07759 516241
Further information:
www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2025-resource-page/
How we can help | How Samaritans can help you | Samaritans