We don't need another campaign to raise awareness of stress - we just need some real conversations about stress
I mean, really. Can we *really* talk about it? Hashtag awareness campaigns are great to get people tweeting or chatting on social media. But we need to take things one step further. I think we need to start some real conversations about stress - and how we can deal with it.
May will be Mental Health Awareness Week
Left unchecked, stress can have hugely uncomfortable, sometimes potentially serious health consequences. A lot of people have been feeling a lot of stress for a very long time - and this has implications for the physical health as much as the mental health of our returning workforce.
We need to be aware that it will be easier to tune into conversations about stress this month because more people will be posting or absorbing posts on social media. But it isn't a solution to just repost or hit the 'like' button because you agree. I think we need to see more meaningful conversations about solutions - and how we can be part of them - to really see some benefit to joining into 'Stress Awareness Month'.
What are people struggling with? What is the biggest source of stress? How can we best deal with it? Asking these questions is the first way to find practical solutions.
My go-to list to deal with stress is pretty simple:
Identify Triggers
Understanding the cause of stress can be helpful to figuring out how to manage it. Also note the effect that diet or recreation may have on how you deal with stress. Coffee and alcohol - we're looking at you!
Set Boundaries
Learn to say no, especially if an excessive workload or impossible deadlines is triggering stress. Making a change or setting a boundary may create more stress - but this is short term. The bigger picture is easier to manage with firm, workable boundaries in place.
Daily Gratitudes
Really simple, really effective... write a journal. Keep a record of a single, or several positive things in your day, no matter how small. Gratitude journalling can be a relaxing or mindful activity to introduce into your end-of-day routine and you may find it easier to keep to your schedule if you build it into another routine activity - before or after a meal, for example.
Talk...
It really is as simple as this but working with a mentor or counsellor will give you the opportunity to voice concerns - and find a way through them.
Sleep Hygiene
Restful sleep is crucial to long-term stress management because stress and sleep are closely linked. Stress can impact sleep quality and also mean you have less restful sleep, while insufficient sleep can increase stress levels. Going to bed at the same time every night and following the same routine can have a positive effect on your sleep quality, which will also help your resolve when you manage your stress.
I'm not saying that social media awareness weeks are a bad thing, but I'd like to know more about what happens to the conversations that the posting encourages. Have you been focusing on managing workplace stress? Are your MHFAs (mental health first aiders) dealing with more conversations about stress?
Let me know - perhaps we can figure out the 'what next?' together.
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