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Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa.
The reality is they cannot be separate – they are two sides of the same coin. There is no health without mental health and stress can lead to numerous health problems. From physical problems, like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges, etc to more serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues.
Find out More here: https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month/
Take the 30 day challenge
It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits, which is why this is a month-long programme. The 30-day challenge will maximise your chances of turning useful stress busting knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural change that will help you elevate stress and don't worry it only takes a small amount of time each day, but can make a life time of difference:
Use these 6 points to make a start, remember, no stress, different things work for different people so, be prepared to be kind to yourself, no judgment, just try these different ideas, and find the ones that work for you.
Check here for more resources: https://www.stress.org.uk/30daychallenge/ ;
A Word on Mindfulness
You may have heard this phrase lots over the last few years, or seen it in magazines, its the state of being that allows you to practicing being in the moment. Make a point of being aware of your surroundings, for example of the birds singing in the tress or the colour of the leaves as you walk down the street.
Did you know however, its more than just a state and philosophy, it can be backed up by neuroscience research, which showed thatmindfulness practices dampen activity in our amygdala and increase the connections between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Both of these parts of the brain help us to be less reactive to stressors and to recover better from stress when we experience it. So get practicing it literally help your brain to be calmer!
Check out these sites and apps designed to help us to manage stress:
:-) Mindfulness for teens: https://www.mindfulnessforteens.com:-)Smiling Mind: Smiling Mind is a mindfulness meditation smartphone app to experience, for both adults and kids. With soothing colours and a simple, modern design, Smiling Mind is enjoyable to use and very intuitive. The app can be downloaded for free, and then getting started is as simple as registering and choosing your age preference. Each age group is given a set of guided meditations designed to bring users from a beginning level to a ‘mindful master’ level over time. https://www.smilingmind.com.au/ ;
Headspace, conceived by meditation teacher Andy Puddicombe, coins itself as ‘a gym membership for the mind.’ Users can start out with a free 10-day mindfulness meditation program known as ‘Take 10,’ and then begin a paid subscription if interested in more content. This app focuses on training the brain through a selection of special series meditations in areas such as health, relationships and performance: https://www.headspace.com
Calm is a simple smartphone app that teaches mindfulness and makes it easy to follow a daily meditation practice. The app can be downloaded for free with plenty of content. https://www.calm.com
Mindfulness is all about being present and aware in each moment. What better way to instil this concept than to Stop, Breathe & Think? This wonderful mindfulness app makes it easy to take a daily pause in your day to check in with yourself, and through regular practice, you can broaden perspective and ‘create your own personal force field of calm and peace.’ https://www.stopbreathethink.org.uk
Video about connecting with Mindfulness:
Stress Awareness, lets talk about it: