April marks is Stress Awareness Month. Discussed as ‘one of the great public health challenges of our time’ (Stress Management Society) stress is an all too common symptom of modern life and work. However, it remains the case that workplaces are, oftentimes, not taking stress and its consequences seriously.
Chronic stress can negatively impact our mental and physical health - with links to anxiety and depression, as well as heart disease, digestive problems, a weakened immune system and insomnia.
A recent study (hse.gov.uk) showed that 17.9 million working days had been lost in the UK due to stress, anxiety and depression in 2019/2020. And the issue couldn’t be more pertinent, with the on-going pandemic having a profound effect on everybody’s mental health and emotional resilience.
There are steps we can take, however, to reduce stress – as a workplace and as an individual. Stress Awareness Month a great opportunity to talk about stress, acknowledge and give voice to your employees’ experiences, as well as to offer some sustainable solutions and coping mechanisms.
And so, in honour of Stress Awareness Month, we have compiled a list of our services best suited to reduce workplace stress and help create happier, healthier workplaces for everyone.
Our webinars are 60-minute interactive sessions on a variety of topics in wellbeing and mental health. Delivered virtually, our experienced facilitators will take you through the topic, offer some actionable advice and practical tools to support your wellbeing and answer any questions you might have. We recommend the webinars below for their focus on stress-reduction:
Our 6-week Mindfulness Course is designed to help reduce stress, reduce the risk of mental illness and help attendees find a new way of living, that is much more present and fulfilling.
A regular mindfulness practice can help improve resilience, emotional regulation, our working memory, our ability to focus, and even our immune system.
Through guided meditations, group discussion, lessons on the theory that supports mindfulness and developing an at-home practice, this course aims to train the brain and form positive habits in its attendees – so they can continue to reap the benefits of a mindfulness practice long after the course is over.
Guided meditations can add an element of mindfulness to your working day, helping us find balance and tackle feelings of stress and anxiety. Meditation has the power to change the shape and structure of the brain, helping individuals to regulate thoughts, emotions and feelings.
Our 30-minute sessions involve a 20-minute meditation followed by 10-minutes of Q&A hosted by one of our fully qualified, experienced mindfulness teachers.
.
Practicing yoga is beneficial for both body and mind. The combination of deep breathing, mindful focus, stretches and physical exertion (be that gentle to more demanding) work together to reduce stress; releasing tension held in the body and lowering cortisol levels.
From chair yoga for absolute beginners, to yoga HIIT for those who want to add an element of fitness to their working day, our sessions aim to help you feel more centred and relaxed, and to find pleasure in mindful movements.
~
Here’s wishing you a stress free (or at least reduced) April! Please remember if you’re suffering from stress or anxiety the most important thing you can do is look after yourself - make time for breaks, create and stick to clear boundaries, just take one thing at a time and don't be afraid to reach out for support.
If you would like to know more or if you’re looking for any additional wellbeing support for your employees, please do get in touch at hello@weareluminate.co or call us on +44 (0) 203 637 7417.
Get the app!
Our ever-growing library of wellbeing content, right there, in your pocket.
