Stress
Stress is a big issue for us in the UK today.
91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme pressure or stress in the last year. [mentalhealth-uk.org]
But help is at hand. Here are some resources to help you manage your stress levels.
Stress is a normal part of life and in small amounts it can help us stay motivated, focused and respond to challenges. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, persistent or difficult to manage, it can begin to affect our physical health, emotional well-being, relationships and performance at work.
Everyone experiences stress differently. What feels manageable for one person may feel overwhelming to another. It is important to recognise when stress is affecting you and to seek support early. Taking action before stress becomes more severe can help prevent it from having a longer-term impact on your well-being.
Recognise the signs of stress
Stress can affect how you think, feel and behave. Common signs include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to switch off
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in mood or motivation
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling irritable or anxious
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension or fatigue
It might sound simple, but mindful breathing can genuinely help calm your body and reduce stress. Take a moment to watch this short video and let yourself unwind.
Support
Self help:
Relaxation techniques, time management tools and strategies for managing things beyond your control. Read more here.
Talk to someone:
Speaking to a trusted colleague, line manager, HR representative, Pastoral Care or a First Aider for Mental Health can help you feel supported, explore possible solutions and access appropriate support.
- Emergency support for crisis situations. Get help now here.
- Employee Assistance Programme: free and confidential support for you and your household. Available 24/7, 365 days a year. Find out more here.
- Able Futures: Support for your mental health at work. Find out more here.
- Other mental health resources. Find out more here.