Stress
In my last newsletter on stress, I am looking at stress, how it can manifest in various forms, and how it can be categorised by different types based on the source or nature of the stress.
Here are some common types of stress that people may experience:
Acute Stress: This type of stress is short-term and is usually caused by specific events or situations. It is the most common form of stress and can be caused by things like deadlines, arguments, or public speaking.
Chronic Stress: Chronic stress is long-term stress that persists over an extended period of time. It can result from ongoing issues such as work pressures, financial problems, or relationship difficulties.
Physical Stress: Physical stress is related to the body’s response to physical demands or challenges. This can include factors such as illness, injury, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition.
Emotional Stress: Emotional stress is connected to feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, or anger. It can be triggered by events such as loss, trauma, or major life changes.
Environmental Stress: Environmental stress is caused by factors in a person’s surroundings, such as noise, pollution, overcrowding, or extreme weather conditions.
Psychological Stress: Psychological stress can stem from cognitive factors such as perfectionism, self-criticism, unrealistic expectations, or negative thinking patterns.
Social Stress: Social stress arises from interactions with others, including conflicts, social pressures, loneliness, or feeling isolated.
Work-Related Stress: Work-related stress is common and can result from factors such as heavy workloads, job insecurity, lack of control, conflicts with coworkers, or poor work-life balance.
Financial Stress: Financial stress is caused by concerns related to money, such as debt, unemployment, financial instability, or inability to meet financial obligations.
Traumatic Stress: Traumatic stress occurs in response to a traumatic event or experience, such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, or abuse.
It’s important to recognise the type of stress you are experiencing and to seek appropriate support or coping strategies to manage it effectively.
Stress on Managers
Image from management30.com
Managing stress as a people manager is crucial for maintaining your well-being and leading your team effectively. Here are some tips to help you manage stress:
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid working during off-hours unless it’s absolutely necessary. This will help you recharge and reduce stress.
Delegate Tasks: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to team members to distribute the workload and prevent burnout.
Form a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes time for work, exercise, relaxation, and personal activities. Having a routine can help you stay organized and reduce stress. Never eat lunch at your desk.
Communicate Effectively: Maintain open communication with your team members. Listen to their concerns, provide feedback, and address any issues promptly. Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress for everyone involved.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities you enjoy. Self-care is essential for managing stress and maintaining your well-being.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, colleagues, or a professional counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking to someone can provide valuable perspective and help you manage stress effectively.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help you stay present, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.
Prioritise Tasks: Identify your top priorities and focus on completing them first. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help you stay organized and reduce stress. I always have a ‘to do’ list in my desk, and crossing of a completed task is always very satisfying.
Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Stepping away from work, even for a few minutes, can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
Learn to Say No: Don’t be afraid to say no to additional tasks or projects if you’re already feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries and prioritizing your workload is essential for managing stress as a people manager.
I know this is easier said than done, however just working on one tip can improve your stress levels.
Stress Awareness Month April 2024
April is Stress Awareness Month. For Stress Awareness Month 2024, The Stress Management Society, want to emphasise how even the smallest steps taken each day towards self-care and stress reduction can yield significant improvements in mental health over time.
Taken from Stress.org.uk
At the beginning of the month we set the challenge!! What action can you take over April, just one action, one change which you can stick to for 30 days to explore how that action, can change your mental wellbeing for the positive. Join the Stress Management Society for the April Challenge.
Did you managed to identify an action, and has this made a difference to your stress level, I would love to hear if you have and what the difference is.
I hope these newsletters on stress have been supportive and helpful. If you do have a topic you would like support with do not hesitate to get in touch, or book a well being session with me. For further information email me at info@sanitashub.co.uk
Neurodiversity Awareness Training
You can now book through our website for the Neurodiversity Awareness Training. The price for this training is £150 (plus VAT) per delegate and the training will be online. We have courses monthly and they are booking up fast. The course is 4 hours. This course is proving to be very popular so please contact us quickly to book your place.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
MHFA won’t teach you to be a therapist, but it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and even potentially stop a crisis from happening.
You’ll learn to recognise warning signs of mental ill health and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping yourself safe.
You’ll also learn how to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of symptoms. This could include self-help books or websites, accessing therapy services through their GP, their school or place of work, online self-referral, support groups, and more.
What’s more, you’ll gain an understanding of how to support positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around you
For further inquiries, company group training or mental health consultancy please do not hesitate to get in touch at info@sanitashub.co.uk
Booking a Mental Health Wellbeing Course with Sanitas Hub
Mental Health Consultancy in the Workplace
