International Stress Awareness Day

Stress Awareness Day is a day to raise awareness about the damage stress can cause to our bodies and minds. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can better cope with, and reduce, stress in our own lives.

What is stress?

Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which is your body’s reaction to helping you deal with pressure or perceived threats – this is often called the fight-or-flight response.

Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure has passed. However, if they are staying elevated for extended periods of time, and you are struggling to return to a baseline, then this can link to mental health issues such as panic disorders, anxiety disorders and nervous system dysregulation. It can also link to other issues, such as digestive problems and headaches.

Some ways to deal with stress

• Talk about it. This is the most important step you can take to manage your stress. If it is related to your workplace or a secondment, then please tell someone and we can find a way to resolve this quickly and efficiently. Making sure that everyone is okay and coping with their workload is a priority
• Eat a healthy diet and try to get regular exercise
• Do relaxation exercises, yoga, deep breathing, massage, and meditation
• Keep a journal of your thoughts and what you are grateful for

Communicate

A final thought on how to effectively manage stress, again goes back to communication and asking for help. It is such a common misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. In actual fact, it is a massive show of strength to admit when support and help is needed.

So next time things become overwhelming, please let someone know. Whether that is asking your other half for help with tasks at home, or speaking to your manager about re-prioritising your workload to make it more manageable. Your mental health is a priority, and we are here to demonstrate that with our support for colleagues at Waterman Aspen.