STRESS AWARENESS MONTH – 1st – 30th April – Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. The last two years have been the most challenging they have faced and in 2020 their services will be overwhelmed by people that are struggling and seeking support. This year their theme is Community. They have chosen this theme because lack of support can cause loneliness and isolation, which in turn lowers people’s well-being, impacts mental health, and can lead to mental illness. Social isolation is an important risk factor for both deteriorating mental health and suicide. As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s vital that the community support experienced by many people during this challenging time continues. Although restrictions have been lifted, people need support now more than ever as they adjust to a new way of living.
The pandemic has had a hugely detrimental effect on the nation’s mental health and sense of community. Disrupted social lives, the cancellation of large gatherings, travel restrictions and working from home have kept us in one place for prolonged periods of time. However, one of the positives to emerge from this unparalleled situation has been the community spirit and support shown by so many to so many.
Socialising with others has multiple benefits for our mental health. Whether it’s a sport, hobby classes or volunteering, activities like these all give meaning, and purpose to our lives, and make us more confident. Having the opportunity to laugh and chat with others in social situations serves to temporarily distract us from our worries by turning our focus outwards instead of inwards. And being able to talk through problems and share our worries with others decreases our stress levels. As the saying goes, a worry shared is a worry halved, and less worry equals less stress.
Stress writes that volunteering may be especially good for reducing stress because, much like socialising, it turns our focus outwards. Moreover, helping others with their problems can help us gain a more positive perspective on our own difficulties. Plus, there are the associated benefits of working together with other like-minded people to achieve a worthwhile goal. These factors all weigh heavily on the positive side of the mental health spectrum, and so increase our mental well-being while uniting us in a shared sense of purpose.
The 30 Day Challenge
If you haven’t yet joined the Stress 30 Day Challenge for April then pick one action each for your Physical, Mental and Emotional Well-being to carry out every day.
It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits, which is why this is a month-long programme. The 30-day challenge will maximise your chances of turning useful knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural change.
Click below to gain the access to the free resources specifically created for the month of April. You can download the 30 Day Challenge, a Daily De-Stressing Planner, a Stress Guide, 7 Steps Achievement Plan, useful infographics on stress and much more!
Stress Management Society 30 Day Challenge
Source: Stress awareness
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