Stress Awareness Month 2023

April is Stress awareness month

Stress Awareness month has been held every April since 1992. Each year there is a different theme and this year the theme is take action.

To read more about the theme for this year please visit the Stress management website

Different forms of stress can happen throughout our lives and is actually very normal. There are many things that can cause stress including growing up, school, home life, the pandemic, events unfolding in the news and bullying to name a few.

Are you able to recognise stress in yourself or others?

There are many things you can do to help prevent or manage stress. One of the most important things you can do is to look after yourself, often known as self-care. Each one of us is unique, so the way one person might see self-care can be totally different from the next. Some people may choose to play rugby to de-stress, whilst others may read a book. What do you like to do to take to take care of yourself/self -care?

Below we have listed a range of self-care techniques you could try out, to help prevent or reduce stress. They can be used whenever you need them, not just during stress awareness month. These strategies may help you manage stress, stay connected to those around you and help support good physical and mental health.

Dance

Dancing releases endorphins (otherwise known as happy hormones) which work to lower stress and bring about calm and happiness. Dancing can be done alone, with friends, or you could even join a club.

Take a break

It is so important to rest, in fact resting is one of the most productive things you can do

Write in a journal or diary

Writing down your thoughts on paper, can help you connect your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A good place to start is by writing about your day and letting the pen flow. You may find you have a lot more to talk about than you first realised. If you run out of ideas to talk about, writing down positive statements can really help boost your wellbeing. Writing down what you are thankful for lets you focus on the positive things in your life.

Breathe easy

Deep breathing is a great way to reduce stress. When you breathe deeply, a message is sent to your brain to relax. Your brain sends this message to your body.

Fuel your body right

Try eating a healthy and varied diet and always remember to drink plenty of water.

get your creative juices flowing

Creativity can shift your focus away from stress, it requires you to concentrate which can help relax you. What gets your creative juices flowing? Painting, drawing, cooking, baking or photography?.

Laughter therapy

Laughing is known to enhance your mood! You could watch a comedy or take a laughter break with friends or family- and watch your mood uplift.

sleepy head

As humans we require routine. Routines help us feel supported, are predictable and reliable. A sleep routine will help your body learn when to relax, your brain will quieten down, muscles loosen up and you should find it much easier to sleep. A sleep routine involves you getting ready to go to bed at the same time each night and getting into bed to sleep at the same time every night.

Blog written by, Elin Evans school nurse

Here are some signs, which may be linked to stress, to look out for:

You may find it difficult to concentrate

You may feel anxious.

You may feel overwhelmed

You may have low self-esteem.

You may not have as much confidence in the classroom.

You may experience poor sleep, not being able to go to, or stay asleep, or even sleep much more.

You may avoid certain things, such as not spending as much time with friends or avoiding other social situations.

What else could you do for Stress Awareness Month?

Talk openly to those around you about Stress and its effects.
Talk about how you cope with stress. Share what has worked for you, to see if it can work for someone else.
Show compassion and empathy to those who are stressed and anxious around you. You could help them find someone to talk to when they are stressed.

It’s important to know what support is available or who to talk to when you are feeling stressed.

visit the Chat Health page on this website if you would like to speak to a school nurse.

visit Youngminds website for more information about mental health.

Kooth is an online counselling service that can support you.

Childine are also able to support