Navigating Stress Awareness Month - More Than Just Awareness

Navigating Stress Awareness Month - More Than Just Awareness

As April progresses, we delve into Stress Awareness Month, a crucial time to understand and manage the stress that significantly impacts our mental and physical health. Stress not only affects our psychological state but can also lead to significant physical health issues, from heart disease to anxiety and depression.

In our workshops, we utilise practical tools like the "Stress Container " and the "Pressure Performance Curve" to help illustrate how stress impacts us and how we can manage it. The Stress Container helps visualise our capacity for stress and the importance of releasing pressure before it overflows.

The Pressure Performance Curve shows how our performance changes under different levels of stress, identifying zones such as comfort, stretch, and panic. It's here we often see stress responses such as fight, flight, or freeze, triggered by the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare our body to confront or flee from stressors.

Five Tips for Managing Stress:

1. Identify Your Stressors: Keep a journal to note what triggers your stress.

2. Monitor Your Inner Critic: Wear a thick rubber band on your wrist and snap it gently whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively, reminding yourself, "Thank you for sharing that."

3. Set Clear Boundaries: Learn to say no to requests that overextend your capacity.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that ground you in the present moment, reducing stress.

5. Regular Exercise: Maintain physical activity to help reduce stress levels and improve your mood.

For those interested in exploring these concepts further and developing effective coping strategies, our upcoming MHFA courses are a perfect opportunity. These include:

- MHFA Refresher Courses: May 8th and 20th

- Two-Day MHFA Course: May 16th

Additionally, if you're looking for training tailored specifically to understanding the anatomy and physiology of stress, including a deeper look into the body's hormonal responses and practical coping mechanisms, we host bespoke workshops.

We provide these insights to help you manage both your mental and physical responses to stress effectively.

Next month, watch for Mental Health Awareness Week from May 13th to 19th, when we'll continue exploring these important topics.

If you'd like to join our courses or need more information on coping strategies for managing stress, please contact me.

Mike Lawrence: Health & Wellbeing Enthusiast and Mental Health Advocate

Hi, I’m Mike Lawrence, and I’m dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve committed to a journey of self-improvement and helping others. My adventures range from thrilling skydives for charity to transformative travels in Thailand. I share insights from my experiences and key learnings from impactful audiobooks. Join me in exploring holistic health and wellbeing, and let’s embrace life’s adventures together!

Feel free to contact me through email at [email protected] or LinkedIn. For more detailed insights and stories from Mike, click here to read the latest blogs.

Mike Lawrence Health & Wellbeing Management Consultant