HOW TO MANAGE STRESS THIS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

Stress is a natural response to life's challenges, but when left unmanaged, it can affect our overall well-being in serious ways. 

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of stress on our physical and mental health, as well as finding tips on how to manage stress.  

​In terms of how stress significantly affects the UK population, a survey by the Priory Group found that 74% of UK adults felt so stressed at some point over the past year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. ​In 2023-24, an estimated 776,000 workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, accounting for 46% of all work-related ill health cases. ​Women are more likely to experience stress, with 81% reporting feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, compared to 67% of men. 

Beyond the physical, emotional, and mental health effects of stress, work-related stress costs the UK economy approximately £28 billion annually, resulting in 23.3 million sick days each year. ​

Managing stress is an ongoing process, but with the right tools, you can navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and find ways on how to manage stress that works for you and your unique lifestyle.

Here are five quick tips which can help you start managing stress today:

• Practice Mindfulness - Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, tune into your body, or meditate. Mindfulness helps ground you and can reduce anxiety and stress.

• Exercise Regularly - Physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Whether it's a walk, yoga, or a workout, moving your body can help release tension and improve your mood.

• Prioritize Sleep - Lack of sleep can worsen stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body recover and manage stress more effectively.

• Connect with Others - Talk to friends, family, or a professional about what's on your mind. Social support is essential for reducing stress and gaining perspective.

• Set Boundaries - Learn to say no and avoid overloading your schedule. Setting boundaries helps you maintain a sense of control and prevent burnout.

Let this month serve as a reminder to take a step back, recognize the signs of stress, and adopt strategies on how to manage stress.

At Tala Thrive, we support you with the tools for managing stress specific to your own work and life situation by matching and connecting you with culturally competent therapists and coaches who understand your culture, language and/or religion. So book your first session today at Tala Thrive and join our community to get the support you need.

Remember, we want you to thrive - mentally, physically, and emotionally - so you can start living the life you truly deserve. 

By: Lola Akinmade