2nd November marks the start of ‘Stress Awareness Week’ which means, there is no better time to stop and ask ourselves the question “Am I doing ok?”

What is stress?

When we are faced with a perceived harmful attack or event, a physiological reaction is triggered in our body, this causes our adrenal glands to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol; adrenaline elevates blood pressure and increases heart rate whilst the cortisol increases the level of glucose (sugars) in the bloodstream; both working to give you that well-needed energy boost so you are able to ‘fight or flight’ to survive.

Is this reaction Good or Bad?

This natural energy boost is pretty spectacular, but in our modern, ever-connected, busy lives, the stressful situations we deal with are not usually life or death, so in fact, this wonderfully natural reaction, could now be causing us harm. Studies have shown that long-term (chronic) exposure to stress causes our body to keep producing cortisol, and elevated cortisol levels can create a whole host of physical and mental health issues including anxiety and depression, digestive problems, insomnia, headaches and weight gain.

What is the impact of stress in the workplace?

According to Dorset Mind:

• Work is the most stressful factor in most people’s lives
• People are working on average an extra 29 hours per month due to our technology- enabled ‘always on culture’
• 1 in 5 people said that being constantly connected to work makes them feel mentally exhausted
• 43% of employees do not feel comfortable disclosing ‘unmanageable stress’ to their employer or manager
• Mental health related presenteeism and leaveism are rising
• The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased stress and anxiety.

Did you know that:

• The most common issues currently affecting wellbeing are: worrying about the future (63%); and feeling stressed or anxious (56%).
• Anticipatory Anxiety is a significant emerging issue from COVID-19.
• The population’s ability to cope with the stress of the pandemic is declining.

So what can we do about it?

There are many methods of dealing with stress and we can make changes in our day-to-day lives in order to combat the effects. However, the first thing to do is to be aware. Understanding your stress levels is necessary before you can take any action to resolve it. Read our daily top tips over the course of the week to help you identify ways to reduce stress.

Top Tip 1 Tangible and Practical actions for reducing stress

Stay active and get outside

For many, exercise is a fantastic stress reliever; releasing tension, clearing your mind and giving you a boost of endorphins which are the body’s natural pain medication; serotonin in particular, is known to improve mood and elevate the feeling of wellbeing.

The NHS recommend that: ‘adults aged 19 and over should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity – such as fast walking or cycling – a week.’

Not only does exercise offer an escape and a chance to calm the mind and think clearly about what is causing our stress, but improved fitness and health also leads to increased self-esteem and confidence which can help to reduce stress anxiety. Getting outside, breathing fresh air and hearing natural sounds, like the birds singing, is also said to have a hugely advantageous effect on improving our mood. So try to get outside, try a new activity and give yourself a chance to process the situation that is causing you stress.

Top Tip 2 Tangible and Practical actions for reducing stress

Listen to music

Music has long been a favourite stress management tool, in particular, slow, classical music.

It can relax and calm by the lowering heart rate, pulse and blood pressure as well as actively lower the levels of stress hormones.

According to Psychcentral.com “when people are very stressed, there is a tendency to avoid actively listening to music. Perhaps it feels like a waste of time, not helping to achieve anything. But as we know, productivity increases when stress is reduced.”

Like exercise, music can provide a well-needed break or escape away from stressful situations or problems so you can calm down, clear your head and face the problem again feeling more prepared.

There are so many sources of calming music from great classical, calming instrumental or peaceful meditative playlists, so whether you enjoy the radio, YouTube, Spotify or iTunes find a station or playlist that suits you and add some more music to your life; try listening whilst you drive, on your commute to work, or whilst walking the dog. Or perhaps make time to de-stress; take 5 minutes out of your day to purposefully go for a short walk to listen to music.

Top Tip 3 Tangible and Practical actions for reducing stress

Incorporate the natural

Bringing flowers and plants into our lives can help to de-stress, promote sleep and clear our environment of harmful toxins.

The phrase “sleep on it” definitely applies when it comes to stress. The worry that stress can cause, no matter whether it’s stress about work, money, relationships, can overwhelm and cause anxiety, which is why sleep is a vital aspect of de-stressing the mind and body. As it allows us to process our thoughts and worries, but if the stress is causing insomnia or difficulty sleeping, we are not getting the important rest we need to clear our minds.

This is where nature comes in, flowers and plants won’t cure insomnia but as part of a calming, stress-free routine they can certainly help. Jasmine, for example, is a flower that is said to have calming properties; its sweet fragrance lessens anxiety and peacefulness and promotes better sleep.

Then there’s the old favourite, Lavender, perhaps a love it or hate it fragrance, but it’s commonly used as an essential oil, whilst its smell has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate which in turn helps you to relax. The more relaxed you are the more likely you are to fall into a restful, restorative sleep.

TIP: Lavender can be found in many forms so you can find the best for you. Dab some essential lavender oil on your pillow; keep some dried lavender in a muslin bag beside the bed or burn a lavender candle at bedtime.

Another plant that you might want to incorporate into your life is the Areca Palm. A popular one for homes and offices, it’s not only easy to care for, but it adds moisture to the air as well as cleansing and purifying its surrounding atmosphere of unwanted toxins like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, known to cause elevated stress levels and anxiety. Purer air is great for any working environment where stress may result as well as at home for improved sleep.

So with a new love of incorporating more nature into our lives, why not pair this with a calming evening routine that involves switching off from all screens an hour before bedtime and turning on some calming classical music or sounds of nature.

Top Tip 4 Tangible and Practical actions for reducing stress

Mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation are not new concepts but they have certainly become more popular over recent years as a part of a huge movement to fight, deal with and overcome stress in our hectic modern lives.

Many are turning to practices of yoga, mindfulness and meditation to find some calm and it seems to be helping; according to a study published in the journal Psychiatric Research, scientists have shown that ‘an eight week course of mindfulness, involving daily classes, can help lower inflammatory molecules and stress hormones by around 15 per cent.”

Mindfulness meditation is about being in the present moment, focusing on breathing and the now, and not yesterday’s meeting, tonight’s dinner or tomorrow’s deadlines. It takes practice and for some it can be frustrating because it is certainly not a quick fix. This is more about learning how in the long term to separate yourself from the stress and not allow it to take a full hold of your mind and body.

The great thing about meditation is that it is completely free. You only need to put aside time to practice it, and all the information and guidance you need is freely available online. If you’re interested in trying, why not find some meditation help or guidance on YouTube or websites like www.growforhumans.co.uk which offer short 5 or 10 minute guided sessions. 

Top Tip 5 Tangible and Practical actions for reducing stress

Communication is the key

Stress can be overwhelming but there is no reason why you have to deal with it on your own. Whether you’re stressed about work, money or home, talking about it can help to alleviate the worry and anxiety that comes with it. We all know how good our brains are at worrying, so instead of losing control to the stress, talk to someone. Communication is often the best solution. Speak to a manager, a colleague, your partner, or your family and friends. Just telling someone that you’re feeling stressed can bring some relief because you are no longer alone in it and the chances are they will have advice that can help you.

If you’re not ready to talk, perhaps you can write it down, which can help you to process problems and look at them in a different way.

In Summary as we close stress Awareness Week our advice is to not let the stress win!

There are so many techniques and ways of reducing stress in our lives, some more obvious than others, but until you’ve tried them you just don’t know. Whether you find therapy in drawing, singing, dancing or gyming, the first step is sometimes just to try something different.

Get in touch with us today to discuss delivering our practical managing stress and mental health in the workplace training to you and your team.