Stress is something we all experience from time to time and work stress is something that can really take its toll.  A small amount of stress can help with motivation, but when stress lasts for longer it can affect our physical and mental health.

April is Stress Awareness Month and the campaign aims to increase public awareness about the causes of stress and the best ways to combat it. This year's theme is #leadwithlove.

Coping with stress can be hard, particularly when dealing with demanding workloads and responsibilities. That said, there are some things we can do to relieve some of that pressure and help us relax:

Understand when stress is a problem

This is the first step to recognising how stress is affecting your life and when to be proactive with stress management.

Identify the cause of stress

Stress can be caused by one big issue or a build-up of many small ones. It’s important to understand the causes of your stress so that you can put plans in place to manage this.

Be active

Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.  It also boosts your energy and helps focus your mind.  Even a short walk during your lunch break or a gym session after work can make a big difference.

Get a good night’s sleep

When you are struggling with stress, sleep issues are more common and can exacerbate the stress symptoms.  Aim for 7-9 hours per night and establish a regular sleep routine.

Maintain a healthy diet

Eating healthy well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of water can help to protect you from the demands of stress and can improve your overall mood and energy levels.  Try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugar.

Connect with people

Spending time with friends and family and talking about your concerns can provide support and perspective. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being.

Manage your time by prioritising tasks

Prioritise tasks and break them into smaller, manageable steps. This can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

Practice self-care

Make time for YOU after work – relax, switch off and do something you enjoy.

Separate work from home

If you work from home, work in a separate room and try to avoid your work and home life merging.

Avoid turning to smoking and drinking to ease stress

Although nicotine and alcohol can provide temporary relief for the effects of stress, nicotine creates cravings and alcohol is a depressant.  Turning to either of these can create longer term physical and mental health issues.

Remember, if you are struggling to manage your stress levels, it's important to seek support.

If you are worried about your own drinking habits, or that of a friend or colleague, you are not alone. Change with CADAS is here for anyone who wants help with their unhealthy habit or addiction, providing a listening ear without judgement.

If you are a business and want to support your employees, CADAS at Work are here to help you create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. We are experts when it comes to challenges related to substance use, gambling and compulsive habits – often exacerbated by stress and we want to help you support your workforce.

To find out more or to book your free consultation:

Phone: 01539 266061        

Email: Enquiries@cadasatwork.co.uk 

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