April is Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a normal reaction by the body to the demands of life and nobody is immune from it. However, chronic stress is linked to anxiety, depression, heart disease and problems with our immune system so it is important to recognise the signs of stress as soon as possible to avoid serious repercussions later. It is therefore more important now than ever that we care for ourselves and others due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the tribulations that it brings. Stress in the workplace can lead to high rates of absenteeism and affect relationships at work. The month of April is therefore a great opportunity to challenge the stigma around stress, reach out to others and to show kindness and empathy to those who are feeling nervous or fearful.

As 65% of people in the UK have felt more stressed since COVID-19 restrictions began in March 2020, the theme for Stress Awareness Month is ‘Regain Connectivity, Certainty and Control’ in order to take into account the feelings of disconnection, uncertainty and loss of control at the moment.

Below are resources from Stress.org to assist in providing knowledge and aids in reducing stress.

FROM DISTRESS TO DE-STRESS (a PDF Guide)

SAM ANTOLIK ADULT COLOURING PAGES