Whichever way you look at it,
modern life is stressful. And the 2020s? Well so far, this new decade has
caused unparalleled levels of stress.

Whether it’s the pressure of
daily life, the juggling of responsibilities, or the state of the world right
now, stress can have physical, mental, and emotional repercussions for people
of all ages. And it needs to be taken seriously.

April is Stress Awareness
Month, an initiative that has been running since 1992, designed to highlight
the causes and cures for stress. This year, the Stress Management Society is
focusing on community, reducing isolation and loneliness, and increasing social
support.

In this quick read, we
look at some of the ways you can help to support others feeling stressed or
anxious.

Get
talking

Sometimes, feeling stressed
can be embarrassing. People can feel judged or self-conscious when struggling
to cope. Help reduce the stigma around stress by talking about such feelings.
Whether at home or in the workplace, those suffering with stress may feel like
their issues are valid and gives them space to open up.

Be
kind

It sounds simple, and it is.
By showing understanding and empathy for someone who is stressed, you can help
to ease the burden. Whether it’s making a workmate a cup of coffee or offering
to help with a pesky spreadsheet, you can really make a difference to someone’s
day.

Share
coping strategies

Letting someone feeling
stressed know that you’ve felt the same way may help to reduce feelings of
loneliness. Maybe your way of coping is by doing some simple breathing
exercises or writing ‘to-do’ lists, everyone has their own ways of managing
times of stress and sharing them could really help others.

Look
after yourself

If you’re feeling anxious or
stressed, take the time to acknowledge and understand your feelings. Don’t
berate yourself or feel like you should be able to cope. Stress affects
everyone in different ways and if you need to take some time to de-stress, that’s
perfectly ok.

Talk
to your kids

Whether you’ve got a
stressed-out teenager about to sit exams, or your little one is worried about
their friendships, it’s important to open the dialogue about these feelings and
try to suggest ways they can feel better.

Children are like sponges,
and things like the pandemic, or the current global situation can really impact
them. Looking after your little one’s mental health is just as important as
putting a plaster on a cut finger or kissing a bruised knee.

Thanks for reading.