Stress Awareness Month: Tips to handle stress

April is Stress Awareness Month. The impact of cost of living and global events on our stress levels and wellbeing can be significant, so we’ve rounded up some information on how to spot the signs of stress, start conversations about wellbeing, and access support here at the University.

What is stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily lives, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.

But too much stress can affect mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable and affect our self-esteem.

What causes stress?

Stress affects people differently, and the things that cause stress vary from person to person.

Stressful feelings typically happen when we feel we do not have the resources to manage the challenges we face. Pressures at work, school or home, illness, or difficult or sudden life events can all lead to stress.

Tips for reducing stress

• Focus on what you can control. Even if you can only change something small about your situation, it’s a start.
• Build relationships. If you’re feeling stressed, talk to somebody. Reach out to family, a friend, or a mental health professional.
• Take care of your body. Eating healthily, getting plenty of exercise, and establishing regular sleep patterns can all help reduce stress. The University’s Wellbeing map of the Whiteknights campus suggests some walking routes to help you get outside and get moving.
• Practice mindfulness. As little as ten minutes of meditation or mindfulness a day has been shown to reduce stress.
• Help others. Volunteering isn’t just good for others – it can be good for yourself.

Our Employee Assistance Programme provider CiC has also published some stress busting tips.

Managing stress at work

Most of us can cope with short periods of stress but if it is prolonged it can become chronic and have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing.

Noticing the warning signs when things become too much and taking steps to address them is an important part of managing stress.

The Talking Toolkit from the Health and Safety Executive can be a useful tool in starting conversations about preventing work related stress. It has 6 themes and is designed to get managers and employees talking about issues that may be contributing to stress.

The University’s Employee Assistance Programme offers an independent, free and confidential counselling service. You can also get support from the University’s Wellbeing Peer Support network, and on the Wellbeing web page.

Beware of Burnout

Burnout is emotional, physical or mental exhaustion caused by overwork or stress. It can occur when we feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet the constant demands we may face.

Be aware of the signs of burnout:

• A decline in general health
• Poor concentration
• Change in mood
• Anxiety
• Disturbed sleep
• Increased use of unhelpful coping strategies

CiC’s Preventing Burnout help sheet offers helpful tips and advice.