Stress Awareness Month

Talking to someone and getting enough sleep and exercise are all ways you can help reduce stress.

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992. The aim of the campaign is to highlight the causes of stress, the negative effects stress can have on the body and mind, and the coping mechanisms each of us can employ to help manage symptoms.

Stress is often referred to as the 'silent killer' because although its effects are not immediately apparent, if left unchecked, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, emotional exhaustion and physical illness, affecting our work, relationships, families, and every aspect of our lives.

Talk to someone

Stress can cloud your judgement and prevent you from seeing things clearly. By simply talking things over with a friend, colleague, or even a trained professional, you can help release built-up tension, find solutions to your stress and put your problems into perspective.

Stress can be triggered by a problem that may on the surface seem impossible to solve. But learning how to find solutions to your problems will help you feel more in control, thereby lowering your stress levels.

Get more sleep

A lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Unfortunately, however, stress can also be a factor in preventing us from getting a good night’s sleep. Aim to maximise your relaxation before going to sleep and avoid, or at least reduce, your consumption of nicotine and any drinks containing stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol as these will increase your levels of stress rather than reduce them.

Stop doing any mentally demanding work several hours before going to bed so that you give your brain time to relax. Try taking a warm bath or reading an undemanding book to relax your body, tire your eyes and help you forget any concerns you've been carrying during the day.

Increase your physical activity

Stressful situations increase the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in our bodies. These are the 'fight or flight' hormones that evolution has hard-wired into our brains and which are designed to protect us from immediate bodily harm when we are under threat. 

However, stress in the modern age is rarely remedied by a fight or flight response, so physical exercise can be used as a surrogate to metabolize excess stress hormones and restore the body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state.

When you feel stressed and tense, why not go for a brisk walk in the fresh air? It's important to try to incorporate some level of physical activity into your daily routine on a regular basis, either before or after work, or during your lunchbreak. Regular physical activity will also improve the quality of your sleep.

Help and resources

• Our First Class Support service is a confidential and independent helpline for colleagues, and their direct family members, to turn to if they have any problems or need advice. The service is free and available 24/7. Contact First Class Support on 0345 266 5060 or via www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.uk/
• Log on or register for our Feeling First Class wellbeing zone (using the code FFC1 to set up a new account) to explore a range of tools designed to help you get active, healthier and feeling better. Packed with hints, tips and useful tools, you can monitor your wellbeing and get advice on improving your physical and mental health.

The Rowland Hill Fund offers financial aid to colleagues, pensioners and their families in times of need. The Fund works with the confidential First Class Support helpline, providing a wide range of skills, expertise and resources. The helpline is available 24/7 on 0345 266 5060.