01/11/2023
National Stress Awareness Week 2023
Internationally Stress Awareness Week runs from the 30th October to 3rd November. However today marks National Stress Awareness Day. The theme behind it is ‘Beyond Stress Management: From Stigma to Solutions. To break down the barriers and find solutions within the workplace.
In 2021 and 2022 there were 914,000 cases of work-related stress, depression and anxiety, this makes up 51% of work-related ill health which in return had an increase to 55% of all working days lost due to work-related ill-health. The main factors being high demands in the job i.e. lack of control, lack of information and support, work relationships and roles and responsibilities. Not including daily life, home and outside of work relationships.
Good mental wellbeing in the workplace is vital for not only yourself but the business you work for. There are many benefits for the workplace as well as the employee, for example, improving confidence, purpose, achievements, positive relationships within the workplace and inclusion. Working together within the workplace and communicating correctly is highly important for a smooth-running business and happy staff. Collaboratively we can change what is needed to improve mental well-being in the workplace, by ensuring that all teams are supported through a proactive strategy which raises awareness, improves understanding and the confidence to address the stigma of mental ill-health and to create a supportive workplace.
Do not be afraid to speak what’s on your mind, or how you may be feeling. Communication is key and is extremely important to how your voice gets heard.
You can celebrate National Stress Awareness Day in many ways, how about we start by asking our colleagues if they’re okay and sparking a conversation with them, try not to use negative language. Be as positive as you can be, as you never know what someone else is going through. There’s multiple things and many ways to combat all that Stress one day at a time, not everything is now, and Rome wasn’t built in a day. But just remember you are NEVER alone.
Top 10 Stress Awareness Activities:
1. Do something creative. Doing something creative, enables you to use a different part of your brain, relieving where the stress is occurring.
2. Get outside. Go for walks, jogs, enjoy nature, explore.
3. Move your body. Exercise can help your mind and body in multiple ways.
4. Meditation & Mindfulness.
5. Write It Down….
6. Do something you enjoy.
7. Talk to someone.
8. Listen to music.
9. Sleep & Healthy diet.
10. Manage Social Media time.
Useful Links:
Managing work-related stress ‘Causes & Signs Of Stress’ - https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/stress/beat-stress-at-work
Get Your FREE Mind Plan-Your mind plan (www. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/nhs.uk