Today marks National Stress Awareness Day. Today is an opportunity to think about the effects of stress, physically and mentally as well as how we can manage feelings of stress.
Stress impacts us all, whether it’s a change in relationship, pressures we put on ourselves or from others or deadlines for work, it can come from all areas of our lives. Stress can sometimes be useful, motivating us to get things done. However, it can quickly pile up and really impact our mental health, leaving us unable to cope.
It is important to remember that stress can also impact your physical health, raised blood pressure, heart problems, stomach issues and strokes. It is therefore essential that you can identify the signs that you are stressed and learn to manage those feelings.
If you are struggling, speak to a trusted friend or family member, or make an appointment to see your GP. Sometimes just talking can help you see the causes more clearly. It’s also important to make time for yourself to feel less stressed and more relaxed.
It doesn’t have to be anything big, something as simple as reading a book, having a bath, going for a walk or taking a nap. It’s all about slowing down and bringing you back into the moment.
Managing stress is hard and there are some factors that are out of our control. But at these times it is even more important to identify the things that are in our control and that we can change or address.
If you urgently need someone to talk to, you can reach out to any of the numbers below.
Samaritans: 116 123
NHS: 111 Option 2
Mind: 0300 102 1234
CALM: 0800 58 58 58
PAPYRUS: 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 (under 35)
