Everyday stress

What is stress?

Stress is the body’s response when it senses danger. Everybody experiences it at some time and we need it to function. But when stress interferes with our lives, it becomes a problem. Too much stress, for too long, can make us ill.

If unaddressed, stress can cause mental health issues like depression or anxiety and harm our physical health.


Stress is covered in all of the Mental Health First Aid England courses we deliver.

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Did you know? 1 in 6 workers will experience depression, anxiety or stress-related issues.

Sources of stress

There are several sources of stress in everyday life and it does not always stem from negative situations, even happy events can cause stress in our lives.

Some common sources of stress include:

Life changes

  • Leaving home, getting married or having children
  • Divorce or relationship breakdown
  • Health scares or physical illness
  • Accidents or bereavement
  • Legal issues, arrest or imprisonment

Emotional

  • Peer pressure
  • Conflicting cultural values and beliefs
  • Coping with uncertainty

Physical

  • Late nights or lack of routine
  • Poor diet
  • Misuse of drugs or alcohol

Environmental

  • Poor housing or accommodation problems
  • Social isolation
  • Unemployment
  • Adjusting to new environments such as moving house or travel
  • Financial pressures

Changes at work

  • Starting a new job
  • Coping with an increased workload or a promotion
  • Poor relationships with colleagues or managers
  • Redundancy, or the fear of it


Read more about work related stress.

Additional Stressors during Covid-19

As we all know the Coronavirus Pandemic has changed our everyday lives. These changes have given us additional stressors that we would not normally experience. Some sources of stress from Covid-19 are:


  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Not being able to see family or friends
  • A new way of living
  • Uncertainty
  • Financial concerns
  • Looking after vulnerable people
  • Working from home
  • Being furloughed
  • Juggling working and childcare

Coping with stress

We all use unhelpful coping strategies sometimes, but it is important to learn new, helpful coping strategies so we can healthily manage our stress.

Try...

Getting moving

Physical and mental health are connected – so try eating well and exercising regularly. Find an activity that suits you and will fit around your schedule.

Setting time aside

Give yourself time to have fun or indulge yourself! Take a stroll to get some fresh air.

Learning a new skill

Whether painting, playing guitar or learning a new language, taking time to learn a new skill will allow you to give yourself time to enjoy something you’re passionate about.

Sharing how you’re feeling

It is okay to ask for help and support - a problem shared is a problem halved.

Switching off from distractions

Make time for yourself as a regular part of your routine. Schedule a reminder if you have to.

Avoid...

Overdoing it

Sugar, caffeine and alcohol may all seem like quick solutions to the feeling of stress, but in the long term they can increase stress.

Overworking

Checking your email out of hours and overworking in general will eat into the time you should be allowing yourself to unwind. Ask for help, can somebody help you with a work deadline?

Spending free time in front of a screen

This includes phones! Don’t feel pressured to always be ‘doing’ something.

Chasing perfection

It can create unrealistic expectations. Accept that mistakes will happen.

Bottling up your feelings

Don’t assume that by doing this they will go away or not be there. This can make things worse in the long run.

Weekly Wellbeing check up

It is important to recognise when our stress is becoming too much and affecting our wellbeing. Try using this list each week to check in with your mental health.


View Mental Health First Aid England's stress resources here

Where’s my mental health today?

How do I feel today? Mentally? Physically?

Looking after my wellbeing?

Am I drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet? How did I sleep last night? Did I feel rested when I woke up? Is there anything I can improve?

How’s my thinking today?

How are my thoughts making me feel? Am I having unhelpful thoughts?

How are my coping strategies?

Am I using helpful coping strategies? Are they working?

By using this weekly check-up you will be able to recognise when your stress is beginning to impact negatively on your mental health and will help you be aware of any changes to your mental and physical wellbeing.

Stress is covered in all of the Mental Health First Aid England courses we offer.


Find out more about what our courses offer here