It's International Stress Awareness Week!

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Albus_Scope
Albus_Scope Posts: 10,436 Scope Online Community Coordinator
edited November 2024 in Everyday life

Yes folks, International Stress Awareness Week is upon us (4th - 8th November 2024) and today is Stress awareness day, so I thought it'd be the perfect moment to talk about stress, something we all face, especially with recent issues with benefit reform, the budget and other issues in the world. Today is marked as Stress Awareness Day, as it's smack bang in the middle of the week.


Organized by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA) and started back in 2018, this annual event aims to increase public awareness about stress, the impact it can have, and ways we can cope with it. The focus this year is "Resilience for All", encouraging everyone to develop personal and community resilience to face life’s challenges. What better time to look at how we can support each other?

Here are some simple tips to keep stress in check this week and beyond;

  • Keep laughing!
    Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine and I'm sure you can all tell I'm a very serious person. 😉 Did you know that laughing releases feel-good chemicals in the brain? So pop on a funny movie, watch those silly pet videos online, or remember that one friend who always tells terrible jokes. Even a small chuckle can work wonders.
  • Do a declutter!
    Feeling overwhelmed by ‘stuff’? Pick one small area (maybe a drawer or a shelf) and give it a mini-makeover. Decluttering isn’t just for your space, it’s for your mind too. It sounds cheesy, but a tidy space really can help the mind. Don't forget to throw in a reward, like a cup of tea/coffee or a little treat once you’re done.
  • Shake a (seated) leg or wheel along.
    Movement releases stress, so if you’re able, try a little boogie—whether it’s seated, on wheels, or however you feel most comfortable! Pop on your favorite song, move however you like, and feel the good vibes take over. Maybe you could get some song inspiration from this discussion?
  • Find your secret happy place.
    Where do you feel calm? Maybe it’s scrolling through nature photos, re-reading a favorite book (or hanging out on some amazing forums, hint hint). If you have a place, real or digital, where you can take a breather, give yourself permission to visit it as often as you need.
  • Try the “Tiny Victory” challenge.
    Some days, brushing your hair or replying to one email can feel like climbing a mountain, we've all been there, especially with the darker mornings. If that sounds like today, turn those roadbumps into tiny victories! Recognize that you showed up, you tried, and you did something. Every little win is a boost.
  • Pause & breathe.
    When life’s getting busy, it can feel like we don’t have time to breathe, let alone take a break. But even a few seconds of deep breathing can make a world of difference. So go ahead—breathe in, hold, and let it all out. You got this.

Stress Awareness Week is a reminder that life doesn’t have to be 100% serious and you're allowed some time for you to decompress. Share your own tips below and remember: sometimes, the best way to deal with stress is with a good laugh and giving a tiny bit of kindness to yourself and those around you. You’re doing fab!

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