The month of April is where we raise awareness of stress in our lives and the effects of this. This year’s theme is “Be the Change” this theme focuses on personal agency, proactive action and encouraging individuals to identify root causes of stress, nurture supportive environments and break stigma by having normal conversations about mental health.
Key areas for this year:
Personal responsibility – being proactive rather than waiting for others to make the change. Focusing on self reliance and managing one’s own stress
Meaningful action – setting healthy boundaries and utilising short breaks during the day. Making realistic goals that are achievable.
Cultural shift – normalising conversations around mental health in the workplace and in personal life to create and maintain a more supportive less stressed society
Connection and support – encouraging deeper face to face connections to counteract stress and fatigue from online overload
This awareness month is all about encouraging everyone to “be the change you want to see in the world” by taking steps to create a more positive and resilient environment.
It can feel as if there is more pressure on individuals both in the workplace and personal lives. Perhaps we feel as if more is expected of us in the workplace – having an increased workload, lack of resources, unrealistic deadlines. Could we also be feeding into this by also expecting ourselves be perfect in our response to work or our personal lives?
When we experience stress 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 disconnecting and shutting down unable to digest anything new. This is the brains 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. This can lead us to believe that we are ‘not good enough’ or there is some inadequacy in our lives by unrealistic negative comparisons.
When we consider “be the change” I think about being responsible for what I take on, maintaining my own personal and professional boundaries.
If we can work with this approach, it can have a positive ripple effect, having good scaffolding around us is self-care, healthy boundaries and healthy interactions with others all contribute to maintaining a more balanced healthier lifestyle.
10 Step Stress Solution
- Acknowledge Your Stress: Recognize the physical and mental signs of stress to start addressing them
- Take Control: Proactively manage situations, rather than allowing situations to manage you
- Connect with Others: Cultivate relationships and social support to reduce emotional burdens
- Make “Me Time”: Schedule regular time for yourself to rest and recharge
- Challenge Yourself: Set small goals to build confidence and shift focus from worry
- Avoid Unhealthy Habits: Limit alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, which can exacerbate stress
- Help Other People: Volunteering or offering support boosts perspective and creates positive feelings
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: Prioritize tasks, delegate, and take breaks to manage workload
- Focus on the Positives: Practice gratitude and optimism to change your outlook
- Accept What You Cannot Change: Let go of trying to control uncontrollable external events
If you are experiencing work based stress and feel unsupported, you may find it helpful to check out the Health and Safety Executive link below for advice. If you are employed in a larger organisation you often have access to Employee Assistance Programmes and Occupational Health teams to offer formal support and help. You may be a union member and all unions offer support in managing stress and help raising workplace issues.
Take a look at the Stress Management Society’s website which is offering free webinars this month and stress tests to help identify areas where you are being most impacted. https://www.stress.org.uk/
Learning how to empower yourself is a key part of managing stress – understanding what you value and how that impacts on your motivation level and response to barriers is often helpful. You may find it useful to explore these questions further https://managinglifeatwork.com/how-to-empower-yourself/
In summary, stress is part of every day life but how we respond to it will determine whether you take things in your stride or be crushed by it.
Please remember recognition and a timely response is the best way to support yourself during periods of stress – recognise what is achievable and realistic, recognise what is within your control, recognise that you are a human being and not a robot, recognise that a healthy life is about balance not perfection.
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
Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor
Further information:
https://www.matesinmind.org/training-and-resources/stress-awareness-month-april-20264