Stress Awareness Month 2021

April signifies the 29th Stress Awareness Month—an annual initiative focused on raising public awareness about the root causes and triggers of stress, as well as fostering an understanding of how we navigate and cope with it in our contemporary world. This blog will delve into various stress types and explore effective strategies for overcoming them.

Discover one of the most invigorating ways to conclude your final days at Dyson – organizing a panel event featuring some of the most passionate, dynamic, and inspiring individuals from around the world. These individuals not only prioritize managing their own stress but are also dedicated to supporting their teams. Gratitude to Dyson Global IT, HR, and the exceptional panelists for this enriching experience!

To begin, let's explore the concept of stress.

Stress is the body's response to perceiving a threat or being under pressure. Familiar with the fight or flight response? It's a rapid reaction in your sympathetic nervous system designed to help you respond swiftly to potentially life-threatening situations. In everyday situations, this response may kick in during scenarios like work-related pressures, family challenges, or even the infamous traffic jam (anyone who's been stuck in the Malmesbury morning roadworks can relate to the frustration).

Two categories encompass stress:

• Eustress (Positive, healthy stress): A prime instance is my affinity for working in fast-paced, uncertain environments, as it propels me to stay engaged at work.

• Distress (Negative, unhealthy stress): A case in point is when distress arises from both personal and work aspects, resulting in an unhealthy or toxic stress that can occasionally lead to feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope

Approximately a year ago, I participated in a 12-week Mental Health and Wellbeing course provided by the NHS. The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of stress, anxiety, and depression. An unexpected perk was the delightful cake served at every break—those were the days before Covid struck. Upon completing the course, I felt equipped with a more profound comprehension of stress triggers (both external and internal), identifiable symptoms, and strategies for coping, particularly in situations involving significant change.

How do we recognise the signs of stress in ourselves and others?

Top Stress Awareness Tips:

Some other great resources

• Stress Awareness 12 week NHS course materials (mentioned earlier)

• Mind: Supporting yourself and your team

• TED: How to make stress your friend

• Calm (App Download): For meditation and sleep

• Headapace (App Download): For Mindfulness