Stress Awareness Week

To raise awareness about stress prevention that was established in 1998, International Stress Awareness Week was created in 2018 which has since developed into a major annual event. It focuses on stress management while campaigning against the stigma associated with mental health issues and stress.

This year’s theme is Beyond Stress Management: From Stigma to Solutions. Some of the key talking points is geared towards workplace stress and helping those who face mental health challengers to access advice and support.

What is stress?

Stress is the feeling of being under too much emotional or mental pressure. It is the body’s reaction to help deal with the feeling of being under pressure or feeling threatened. When you are stressed, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

Small amounts of stress can be useful where it pushes you through unfamiliar situations or make you feel alive and excited. However, too much stress can cause negative effects. Everyone faces stress differently. It can leave you in a permanent fight or flight, leaving us overwhelmed and in the long term, affect our mental and physical health.

Our ability to cope can depend on factors such as our personality, genetics, early life events as well as economic and social circumstance.

Signs of stress

When stressed, you may feel anxious, afraid, sad, frustrated, and depressed. You may also behave differently such as withdrawing from people, have difficulty sleeping, and be indecisive. Your body will also react to feeling stressed such as experiencing headaches, nausea, sweating, aches, and heart palpitations.

How can you help yourself?

There are some things you can do to feel less stressed:

• Recognise when stress is the problem

When faced with stress, do not ignore the warning signs such as headaches, tiredness, and tense muscles. Ensure that you are taking the time to think about what is causing the it and make a plan to take control by taking small steps towards the things you can improve. This involves setting realistic expectations and prioritising essential commitments.

• Build supportive relationships

Having close friends or family who can offer practical advice and help can support you in managing stress. Joining a club and engaging in activities such as volunteering can help expand your social network and encourage you to do something different.

• Eat healthily

Ensuring that you have a healthy diet and are getting enough nutrients, including essential vitamins, minerals and water can help your mental well-being. The NHS website has an Eatwell Guide detailing how to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

• Exercise

Although it can be hard to motivate yourself when stressed, engaging in physical activity can help manage the effects of it by producing endorphins that boosts your mood. Even a little bit of activity such as a 15-minute walk can make a difference.

• Get restful sleep

Getting restful sleep is essential as a lack of sleep can react differently to stress such as releasing more stress hormones. Ensure that you are reducing the amount of caffeine you consume and avoid screen time right before bed.

• Get professional health

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, getting help as soon as possible is important to start feeling better. Speak to your GP who will be able to advise you on treatment and may refer you to for further help.

How can we help?

At Cavendish Homecare, our experienced, compassionate Registered Mental Health Nurses are here to provide the help and support needed. For more information get in touch today on 0203 008 5210 or drop us an email at info@cavendishhomecare.com.