Stress Awareness Month – April 2025
The irony is not lost on me that it has taken until almost the end of this month to finish this blog and get it uploaded, but I have been busy with clients and juggling everything! And when I finally finished writing it, there was a problem trying to upload it to my website. So yes, April is Stress Awareness Month – a time to shine a light on something we all experience but often try to shrug off: stress. Whether it creeps in quietly over a long period of time or hits suddenly, stress is something that affects us all at different points in our lives. And while a bit of stress intermittently is totally normal (and dare I say it, even helpful), when it starts to take over, it can impact your wellbeing, relationships, sleep, work and overall sense of balance.
I often work with clients who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck in "survival mode," or simply not quite themselves. So, in honour of Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to share a few thoughts, tips, and resources that might help you – or someone you care about – better understand and manage stress.
What Does Stress Actually Do to Us?
When we're stressed, our bodies go into "fight or flight" mode. It's a survival mechanism that's brilliant in the short-term (like running from a bear – or in modern terms, dodging a missed deadline), but it's not designed to be on all the time. Chronic stress can show up as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings or irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension or digestive issues
- Feeling constantly "on edge"
Recognise any of these? You're not alone.
How to Start Managing Stress
There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing:
1. Breathe – Yes, really. Slow, deep breathing can help calm your nervous system. Try box breathing: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat.
2. Get It Out of Your Head – Talk to someone – a friend, partner, or therapist. Writing things down in a journal can also help you untangle thoughts and see things more clearly.
3. Move Your Body – You don't need to hit the gym. A walk in nature, gentle stretching, or even dancing in your kitchen counts. Movement helps release built-up stress and tension.
4. Create Boundaries – It's OK to say no. Overcommitting is a fast track to burnout. Set small, realistic limits around your time and energy.
5. Reach Out for Support – Sometimes, we need more than self-help tools. Therapy can be a safe space to explore what's going on beneath the surface and find strategies that work for you.
Helpful Resources
Here are a few trusted sources for learning more about stress and how to manage it:
- Mind – Great information on recognising and coping with stress
- NHS Every Mind Matters – Tips and support from the NHS
- The Stress Management Society – Articles, toolkits, and resources dedicated to stress awareness
- Books: The Stress Solution by Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Burnout by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski are two popular reads that clients often find helpful
Final Thoughts
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not failing – you're human. And you don't have to manage it all on your own.
Therapy can offer a non-judgemental, confidential space to explore what's going on, understand the root causes of your stress, and build healthier ways of coping. If you're curious about how I work or thinking about starting therapy, feel free to get in touch.
Take care of yourself – especially this month.