Stress awareness month
April has been host to Stress Awareness Month every year since 1992. The goals of the months is to raise awareness of both the causes and cures for stress in our modern world. The is, sadly, a Stress epidemic and the Mental Health Foundation estimates 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. It is a huge public health challenge having significant impact on both mental and physical health.
Is stress always a bad thing?
No, absolutely not. Stress is, first and foremost, a physical response. When our body is ‘stressed’, we switched to ‘fight or flight’ mode in which adrenaline is produced, heart rate increases and our blood (in in turn oxygen) supply is directed to our muscle getting us ready to deal with the scary thing that’s about to attack us. Very helpful back in the day when we might need to run from a tiger. And indeed still quiet helpful if we are, in fact, in real danger. The side effects, however, are that when all the blood is being directed to our muscles, other functions without the body are minimised. The digestive and reproductive system and even brain function become negatively impacted.
The trouble in our modern world is that we rarely need to run from a tiger, yet our body is still recognising our current stresses as equal to that. Putting us into a stress response in inappropriate situations. When we see the state of our inbox, or our child throws yet another handful of Wheetabix on the floor, for example! If we are in a stress response for an extended period of time, even low level stress, it can be detrimental to our general health.
What are the signs of stress?
Signs of stress may be emotional, physical or behavioural.
Emotional signs of Stress:
irritable, angry, impatient, wound up or restless
over-burdened or over-whelmed
unmotivated or unable to find pleasure in things
anxious, nervous or afraid
unable to switch off
unable to enjoy yourself or disinterested in life
depressed
a sense of dread or constant worry
unfocussed, poor memory, unable to concentrate
worried about your health
Physical signs of stress:
Headaches
Muscle tension and pain
Difficulty sleeping
Lethargy / tiredness
High blood pressure
Digestive issues
Grinding teeth
Loss of libido
Feeling sick, dizzy or fainting
Behavioural signs of stress:
Snapping at people and loosing patience
Procrastination
Avoid certain situations or avoid responsibilities
Absenteeism, lack of punctuality
Withdrawal
Difficulty making decisions
Changes in appetite - eating too much or too little
Fidgeting, pacing
Biting nails, picking at skin
Tearful and crying
snapping at people
biting your nails
picking at your skin
unable to concentrate
eating too much or too little
being tearful or crying
increased use of alcohol or drugs / addictive/excessive behaviour
suicidal talks, thoughts or behaviour
Each of us has different stress triggers. Something that doesn’t bother you in the slightest might be a huge source of stress for someone else.
Look out for the next post on what can cause stress and how to deal with stressful situations more effectively.
The 30 Day Challenge: Regaining connectivity, certainty and control
The Stress Management Society’s theme for Stress Awareness Month 2021 is ‘Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control’. Research is showing that the COVID-19 restrictions have contributed to an increase in feelings of stress in adults within the UK. The three key causes for concern are feelings of disconnection, uncertainty, and a worrying loss of control.
With this is mind, the society are hosting a 30 Day Challenge. For the challenge, we are encouraged to choose one action each for your Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing to carry out every day. Turning these new rituals into long lasting habits. Find out more and take on the challenge!