What is Stress Awareness Month?
Stress and poor mental health are undoubtably one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Prolonged stress can adversely affect both mental and physical health. Mentally, it may lead to anxiety, depression, and impaired cognitive function. Physically, it can contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, weakened immune system, digestive issues, and increased risk of chronic illnesses, ultimately diminishing overall well-being.
Stress Awareness Month, observed annually in April since 1992, aims to highlight the importance of recognising and managing stress in our lives. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about the widespread impact of stress on mental and physical well-being. During this month, various organisations, healthcare professionals, and individuals engage in educational campaigns, workshops, and events to promote stress management techniques and coping strategies. By fostering understanding and dialogue about stress, the initiative seeks to empower individuals to identify stressors, develop resilience, and adopt healthier lifestyles. Ultimately, Stress Awareness Month encourages proactive steps towards achieving greater balance and well-being in our daily lives.
How to get involved this Stress Awareness Month?
This year the Stress Management Society have commemorated Stress Awareness Month by asking you to take the 30-Day Challenge.
It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits. The 30-day challenge will maximise your chances of turning useful knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural change. The challenge encourages you to pick one action each for your Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing to carry out every day.
You can download the 30-Day Challenge here>
What else could you do for Stress Awareness Month?
People can get involved in Stress Awareness Month by participating in or organising events such as workshops, webinars, or seminars focused on stress management techniques. They can share resources and information on social media platforms, initiate discussions within their communities, workplaces, or schools, and prioritise self-care practices to promote mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, individuals can support organisations dedicated to raising awareness about stress and its impact by volunteering or fundraising for related causes.
The 4 As of Stress Management
