Stress Awareness Month takes place every April to increase public awareness about the causes and cures of our modern stress epidemic.

The Stress Management Society in partnership with Huawei AppGallery recently conducted a study on stress, collecting data from 2000 adults in the UK. This research showed that 65% of adults in the UK have felt more stressed since the coronavirus restrictions started in March 2020, which many said was due to lost connection, uncertainty, and inability to control the situation. 

Too much stress can make us feel anxious and irritable and affect our mood, body, and relationships. According to Verywell Mind, chronic stress is the physical result of a long period of stress, which can have significant consequences on health if not addressed.   

Noticing the signs of stress

Building self-awareness can help us to notice the signs of stress before they become overwhelming. It’s important to keep an open mind and try not to be too self-critical; if you find yourself distracted at work or struggling to relax at home for days, you may be experiencing stress.

Symptoms of stress include:

  • Chest pain or a faster heartbeat
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Sexual problems
  • Stomach problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Being forgetful
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Struggling to make decisions
  • Constantly worrying
  • Self-deprecating thoughts

Noticing changes in your behaviour

If you consider yourself self-aware, you may find changes straightforward to spot, but for someone who struggles with being reflective, this might be more of a challenge. Watch out for deviations from your ‘norm’ that last for a period of time. You may start to feel more irritable than usual, have trouble sleeping or be experiencing brain fog or an overactive mind. 

Try to check in with yourself daily and ask yourself how you feel. What does your behaviour today look like? And what does that tell you?

Long-term effects of stress

Stress in the short term is difficult to navigate, but long term, it can significantly impact our overall health.

Some people find themselves addicted to alcohol, nicotine, or prescription drugs to cope with stress levels, and others develop unhealthy behaviours relating to the internet, food, or gambling. Mood and anxiety disorders can also be common diagnoses for people with chronic stress.

Consumption and how it affects stress

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to stress, as can other forms of consumption. The information you take in daily can also affect your stress levels.

Listening to the news, for example, may be upsetting. Scrolling on your phone can contribute to consuming negative information, as can speaking to a family member or friend who regularly uses you to vent their problems. Consider your information consumption and see if you can make any changes to reduce your stress levels. 

Stress prevention practices

You know what they say – ‘prevention is better than the cure.’ Having an outlet, whether creative, physical, social, or educational, is incredibly important for maintaining a healthy mindset and relieving built-up tension.

Here are some stress prevention practices that may help:

  • Be active.
  • Take control.
  • Connect with people.
  • Have some “me time.”
  • Take up a new hobby.
  • Avoid unhealthy habits.
  • Help other people.
  • Try to be positive
  • Accept what you can’t change.
  • Grounding techniques; breathe deeply and focus on your senses – what can you smell, taste, hear, or feel? 

Stress is a widely experienced issue, impacting each of us differently. If stress affects your physical and mental health, have a conversation with your GP, who can help you eliminate other conditions that may contribute to your symptoms and recommend treatments or medication if necessary. Remember, you are not alone.

Find out more about our mental health mission.