Stress Awareness 

What is stress?

Stress can manifest itself in many different ways, including feelings of anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems.

Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

While a certain amount of stress might be advantageous, excessive stress can harm our mental and physical health.

We all experience stress at some point because it is an unavoidable aspect of life. Stress can arise from various sources, such as work, family, relationships, finances, and health issues, to name just a few.

Awareness of what’s happening and how to cope is key.

A great resource on stress awareness matters is the Stress Management Society, whose theme for 2023 is to take action:

Action

Changes

Things

And in that spirit, here are some actions to consider:

  • Adopt a positive mind set - be your own cheerleader

  • Don't be a slave to technology

  • Take a break

  • Eat for well being

  • Get a good night’s sleep

  • Get moving to combat stress

  • Learn to say no - don’t take on too much

  • Master your time

  • Practice deep breathing and mindfulness

  • Prioritise your health

  • Stay hydrated

  • Cut down on smoking and alcohol

  • Chill out - do things you enjoy and make you feel relaxed

  • Seek support

Other stress-reducing techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and practising mindfulness. As it so happens, here in North Wales, we have a fantastic resource right on our doorstep at Bangor University, which is very highly regarded for the work it continues to do in this field.

In addition to self-care, seeking support from others can also be beneficial in managing stress. Talking to a trusted friend or family member or seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can provide a safe space to express your feelings and receive guidance on coping strategies.

From our perspective here at Dolen, stress is one of the most common causes of long-term work absence in the UK. 

Supporting employees who are feeling stressed can help us to understand what's making them feel this way. Practical steps can then be taken to address this and help them feel more positive and productive at work. 

We are here to provide that individual approach to help you succeed, in a way that really values your team and builds trust in you as a valued employer.

So, let’s be aware every day ( & not just this month) of the signs and symptoms of stress within ourselves and be mindful of how this can affect others in our lives, such as friends, family and colleagues, so that we can take steps to manage it. It’s essential to prioritise stress management and take steps to reduce stress levels in our daily lives. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of stress and having effective coping strategies can help us lead a healthier, more balanced life. 

If you or a member of your team is currently experiencing stress related issues, please contact us so that our experienced team can help you find a way to find the right support.

📧 hr@dolen.co.uk

📱 01248 893114

Leah Watkins