Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 with the aim of increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of stress and the impact it can have on individuals, and highlighting tools and coping strategies that may be helpful in the management of these symptoms.

There are many factors in life that can impact our stress levels and our experience of psychological distress. Juggling work, home life, childcare, hobbies and friends can feel overwhelming at times. Add to the mix financial concerns, current affairs this year and the lead-up to Christmas, it may leave some feeling like their stress levels are ever-increasing.

The following tips may help to manage some of this stress:

• Creating a work/life balance – When we have a lot to do at work the temptation can be there to work through lunch breaks or into the evening. Taking time out for lunch and eating something nutritious can help energy levels, create a sense of well-being and will likely have a positive impact on concentration and productivity throughout the afternoon. Setting a deadline for when you switch off from work for the day can help you to relax throughout the evening and lead to a better night’s sleep, thus improving mental health and well-being.

• Make time for exercise – The benefits of exercise on mental health and well-being are huge. Exercise releases endorphins improve energy levels and can positively impact sleep. Exercise does not have to be high-impact; it can be as simple as getting out for a short walk daily. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and move in a way that works for you!

• Sleep – Ensuring that you get enough sleep can have a positive impact on stress and energy levels. When we are feeling stressed, many of us find it difficult to switch off, or we may find that we are waking more frequently throughout the night. Reducing screen time in the lead-up to sleep, particularly in the hour before bed can help with this. The blue light of the screen suppresses the production of melatonin which is the hormone that regulates our sleep pattern. We may also find that we are stimulated by the things we are reading or seeing on social media. Try to implement a set routine – go to bed at the same time each night, remove clocks from the bedside so that you are not constantly checking the time, and do something in the lead-up to bedtime that relaxes you such as a warm bath or reading a book.

For more information on Stress Awareness Day and further tips, visit the following websites:

https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/health-and-wellbeing/

https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month/