Stress Awareness
What is stress?
Stress can manifest itself in many different ways, including feelings of anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems.
Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
While a certain amount of stress might be advantageous, excessive stress can harm our mental and physical health.
We all experience stress at some point because it is an unavoidable aspect of life. Stress can arise from various sources, such as work, family, relationships, finances, and health issues, to name just a few.
Awareness of what’s happening and how to cope is key.
A great resource on stress awareness matters is the Stress Management Society, whose theme for 2023 is to take action:
Action
Changes
Things
And in that spirit, here are some actions to consider:
Adopt a positive mind set - be your own cheerleader
Don't be a slave to technology
Take a break
Eat for well being
Get a good night’s sleep
Get moving to combat stress
Learn to say no - don’t take on too much
Master your time
Practice deep breathing and mindfulness
Prioritise your health
Stay hydrated
Cut down on smoking and alcohol
Chill out - do things you enjoy and make you feel relaxed
Seek support
Other stress-reducing techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and practising mindfulness. As it so happens, here in North Wales, we have a fantastic resource right on our doorstep at Bangor University, which is very highly regarded for the work it continues to do in this field.
In addition to self-care, seeking support from others can also be beneficial in managing stress. Talking to a trusted friend or family member or seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can provide a safe space to express your feelings and receive guidance on coping strategies.
From our perspective here at Dolen, stress is one of the most common causes of long-term work absence in the UK.
Supporting employees who are feeling stressed can help us to understand what's making them feel this way. Practical steps can then be taken to address this and help them feel more positive and productive at work.
We are here to provide that individual approach to help you succeed, in a way that really values your team and builds trust in you as a valued employer.
So, let’s be aware every day ( & not just this month) of the signs and symptoms of stress within ourselves and be mindful of how this can affect others in our lives, such as friends, family and colleagues, so that we can take steps to manage it. It’s essential to prioritise stress management and take steps to reduce stress levels in our daily lives. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of stress and having effective coping strategies can help us lead a healthier, more balanced life.
If you or a member of your team is currently experiencing stress related issues, please contact us so that our experienced team can help you find a way to find the right support.
📧 hr@dolen.co.uk
📱 01248 893114