Last week was International Stress Awareness week and as “Heroes of Safe and Well”, we have some top tips in not only identifying stress in yourself and colleagues but also how you can manage it…
Be active
Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.
CUK Tip: Take the stairs more often, go for walk outside the office during your break, try one our Sunrise Yoga class at The Quays (https://theinsider.carnivalukgroup.com/carnival-house-wellbeing/)
Connect with people
A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way. The activities we do with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever.
CUK Tip: Talk to your colleagues and line manager if you feel comfortable. Take part in Lunch n’ Learn activities and Board in the House (board game group) events for instance. Join Shipmates and be in the loop for other social activities.
Challenge yourself
Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, helps build confidence. This will help you deal with stress.
CUK Tip: Speak to your line manager. End of year conversations are happening across the business and it’s a great opportunity to set new goals, request support and training if you feel you need it.
Help other people
Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, become more resilient. If you don’t have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues.
CUK Tip: Why not organize a day to volunteer at Oasis Down To Earth Farm?
Winter is coming, are there any clothes laying around the house you would like to donate?
https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/bag-it-beat-it
Try to be positive
Accept the things you can’t change, look for the positives in life and things for which you’re grateful.
CUK Tip: As part of a mindfulness routine, try writing down or making a mental note of 3 things for which you’re grateful, at the beginning and/or end of every day.
Here are some great external sources too:
International Stress Management Association (ISMA) – https://isma.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-week
Stress Management Society – https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month-2019/
NHS – https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/news/stress-awareness-week-2019/