Stress Awareness Month 2022

The month of April is Stress Awareness Month and is your chance to reflect and resolve on anything and everything that is causing you stress.We know stress can manifest in many different forms and impact everyone in unique and different ways.
In this #YesSheCan blog, we will explore what stress is, what it looks like, and tips to help you manage your stress when you’re in the workplace.

What is stress?

According to the World Health Organization, workplace stress is the response people have when they face pressures that may not be matched with their level of knowledge or abilities, impacting the way they cope.

Whilst it’s definite that we all might face challenges in the workplace, pressure can stem from unavoidable demands in the work environment. When those bigger issues become more of a daily pressure, they begin to gain weight and become excessive – this is when stress occurs.

Many different factors, which can be within or out of our control, in the workplace which can lead to stress are –

  • Poor management
  • Time constraints
  • Lack of communication,
  • Change – whether that’s in our personal lives or in our teams
  • Lack of good leadership
  • Plus many more.

What does stress look like?

Stress can manifest itself in a wide variety of ways. It can appear in four areas of our health: physical, emotional, behavioural, and relational.

Physical signs of stress can include –

  • Headaches
  • Stress rashes
  • Sweats
  • Muscle tension (like a painful back, shoulder or neck ache)
  • Stomach discomfort

 

Stress has the ability to impact mental health in our day-to-day with our emotions. It can make us irritable, restless, and anxious.

These physical symptoms and feelings often spill over into our behaviours, causing lack of sleep, overeating or undereating, and anger issues. It can also impact not just us, but our relationships – it can cause us to push people away, choosing to isolate and avoiding communication. 

The Statistics

Studies on stress have concluded that women are more stressed-out than men.

  • In the UK, 79% of women reported workplace stress compared to 66% of men.
  • Amongst women between the ages of 35-49, stress rates were even higher at a whopping 87%.
  • This generation of women is referred to as the sandwich generation; women who have childcare responsibilities as well as the responsibility to take care of elderly parents – leading to having likely more stress sources.

Self-Care

Practicing self-care at work can allow us to manage our stress, boosting productivity and enthusiasm.

It is important to recognise that although you are an employee, you are a human first. Prioritising yourself and your needs can leave you feeling more satisfied at the end of your workday.

Looking after yourself, both mentally and physically, has been proven to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.

While stress can hinder our abilities within the workplace, there are tips and tricks to help you manage your stress!

  • Pack a healthy lunch

 

  • Set goals. These can be short-term, long-term or a daily to-do list. This can help you structure your day and take the pressure off your shoulders instead of believing you need to do everything all at once.

 

  • Take breaks outside. Moving away from your workspace is such a great way to take a break and have a fresh breath of air!

 

  • Decorate your workspace. This can be framed photos, fake flowers or just colourful notebooks. This can help you feel more uplifted when you are feeling the stress.

 

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day – cups of teas count!

 

  • Meditate between tasks. This doesn’t need to include a yoga mat, but it can be beneficial to reflect on the tasks you’ve just completed. What didn’t go well and what did go well – then close the metaphorical book and move on.

 

  • Reach out for help. Whether this is from co-workers, friends or family – let someone know how you are feeling.

“Stress acts as an accelerator: it will push you either forward or backward, but you choose which direction.” – Chelsea Erieau

If you liked this blog, you can read more educational blogs here. You can also read an inspirational Role Model blogs, such as the resilient Kat Bell.

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