11/03/2022
National Stress Awareness Day occurs each year on the First Wednesday in November. A day of reinforcing the fact that you’re not doing yourself a favor by stressing about situations you can’t control. The aim of the day is to raise awareness, publicity and profile of stress and its impact, and reduce stigma while promoting the importance of well-being and stress reduction for individuals and organizations.
Having a National Stress awareness day is important – as the saying goes, “you only live once” – stressing about situations that you have no control over will do more harm than good. Try to just go with the flow! Stress is one of the leading causes of serious health problems.
What is stress and why is it important? Stress is a response to demands on the body and life, a response to crisis and fear. If stress gets overwhelming it can cause other mental health problems, emotional exhaustion and physical illness and can impact on work, relationships, families, and every aspect of life. When someone is suffering from negative or overwhelming stress, they may not act or react normally in some situations, for example driving or in an argument, with disastrous consequences.
Stress affects everyone differently. Unlike other conditions, stress has differing symptoms for each person. Stress is also know as the silent killer because it’s usually the root cause of most heart diseases.
Some of the emotional and psychological signs that you’re stress out can include:
Depression or anxiety
Anger, irritability, or restlessness
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused
Troubled sleeping or sleeping too much
Racing thoughts or constant worry
Problems with your memory or concentration
Making bad decisions
There are times when stress can be good for you. This type of stress is called eustress. Eustress or Good Stress is what you feel when you're excited. Your pulse quickens and your hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear. You might feel this type of stress when you ride a roller coaster, compete in a game, or go on a first date. Another form of good stress is the stress that enables us to survive in times of trauma. This stress makes us aware of danger and enables us to escape when we need to.
Ways to observe National Stress Awareness Day:
Develop a routine to help you lessen your tension: Go for a walk, do some deep breathing, get some exercise or a massage, or take a long, relaxing bath. If you’re struggling with the amount of stress in your life, seek help. You can speak to your doctor or check with your employer for an assistance program designed to help employees balance their life.
Do not worry: gear up to spend 24-hours worry-free, care-free, and stress-free! Keep away from negative vibes and do things that you love.
Contemplate your stress-points: It’s not just about one day. Stress management and reduction should be a constant practice so you can completely remove stress from your life. While we don’t really get enough time to think about it any other day, use this day to find out where and why you get most of your stress from.
Laugh all day long: That’s the challenge. Prepare with your friends and family to do things that would make all of you laugh and have the best time possible. Plan a party with skits, a session to share the best jokes with the winner getting a prize, or simply watch the funniest movie/series throughout the day. Laugh away — it’s the best medicine for stress.
How to celebrate Stress Awareness Month in the workplace:
Surprise employees with a company-wide paid day off
Send out self-care kits
Provide meditation tutorials
Offer healthy lunch on the house
Invite employees to yoga classes
Support healthy eating and exercise
Get inspired by nature
Laughing is the remedy:
It is scientifically proven that laughing lowers stress hormones and triggers the onset of “good,” health-enhancing hormones.
