BLOG – Stress Awareness Month: 10 ways to handle stress

The current landscape

Held every April since 1992, Stress Awareness Month widens understanding of the causes and cures for the modern stress epidemic. 

Although the awareness month has been running for 30 years, there is still much that needs to be done to combat stress across the population. 

According to CIPHR, 1 in 14 UK adults feel stressed each day. To add to this, 1 in 5 people across the country feel stressed more days a month than they don’t.

One group particularly affected by this are 18 to 24 year olds, who feel stressed for more days a month than any other age group.

There are many factors that can affect how stressed we feel, with lack of sleep and financial worries being the main causes in 2021.

Community

This year’s theme is ‘Community’, which highlights the importance of having a sense of belonging and connection to others. 

Those who are socially connected to family, friends and their community are happier, healthier and live longer, with less mental health struggles than people who are less well connected.

10 ways to relieve stress

Be active

Make sure you get out and about as much as possible. Keeping active increases blood circulation, helping you to deal with stress hormones. 

Connect with people

Chatting to friends and family can help you to see things in a different light. Sharing with others can help you find a solution to something troubling you much easier than trying to deal with them on your own. 

Have a hobby 

Engaging in activities that you enjoy can reduce stress by almost half and lowers your heart rate. Whether it’s reading, listening to music or something else, make sure to create enough time to enjoy them!

Eat well 

Healthy body, healthy mind. So, start your day with a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eating more organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods will be sure to enhance your wellbeing. 

Get away for a holiday 

Escaping the stresses of daily life for a short break is a great way to unwind. Enjoying some relaxing down time in a different environment can help to refresh your mind.

Step away from your screen

Make sure to take regular breaks from your phone or laptop. Being constantly on social media can be tiring, so try limiting your screen exposure to relax your mind.

Take control

Be empowered – try to take control of situations and stay positive. Aim to find solutions to problems, reminding yourself that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Manage your time

Having a lot going on at once can be overwhelming. Make a list of things you have to do, arrange them in order of importance and focus on the most urgent first.

Challenge yourself

Set new goals and challenges to keep your mind stimulated. Whether it’s to learn a new skill or do something different, by continuing to develop as a person, this will help create inner confidence. 

Ask for help 

If your stress levels feel too much to cope with, don’t worry. There are many professionals and services that you can contact.

Our Wellbeing team offers short and longer term wellbeing support for students. Find out more here.