In 1998, Stress Awareness Day was recognised, this then morphed into International Stress Awareness Week in 2018, helping to raise awareness of stress related mental health issues, including the stigma behind it and the importance of stress management.
The purpose this week is to highlight the physical and mental impact of stress, as well as what we must all do to safeguard our wellbeing. We all are living increasingly busy lives, and sometimes forget to look after ourselves, if you missed out on my self-care article in July, please click here for tips which can help reduce stress levels.
Why is stress management important?
With 74% of people reportedly unable to cope with the levels of stress in their lives, stress management is more important now than ever. Stress can lead to anxiety and worrying thoughts and even suicide.
The most common causes of stress
- Pressure to Succeed – 60% Young Adults
- Self-Image – 49% of Young Adults
- Health – 36% of Adults
- Body Image – 36% of Women & 23% of Men
- Housing – 32% of Young Adults
- Work – 26% of Adults
- Debt – 22% of Adults
The Stress Bucket
Imagine a bucket, that starts to fill up every time you experience stress. If you do not find ways to alleviate the stress, the bucket will overfill, and you will feel burnt out and no longer able to cope. However, doing things that help ease the stress, allow the contents of the bucket to start emptying out, therefore allowing you to effectively manage your stress levels.