In these times of uncertainty and change in season, many of us may feel an increase in our stress levels or anxiety. Stress of all varieties increases inflammation in the body and suppresses our immune response making us more susceptible to illness. It can also negatively impact our sleep, eating or movement habits, or ability to connect with others that help to reduce our stress levels and boost our mental health.
It's important to understand what works for you to reduce your stress or anxiety levels and take a proactive approach to maintain these healthy habits through the coming months to boost your mental health.
We recommend the following:
- Be aware of your stress indicators. Notice your own stress indicators and take a mental health break. For example, a racing heart rate, headache, irritability, fatigue or memory loss, racing mind, profuse sweating, sleep disturbance, sugar or caffeine cravings could all be signs you are suffering from an unreasonable level of stress.
- Take a mental health break. Implement an activity that helps to relieve stress and boost your mental health. E.g. get active or take a walk outside, practice mindfulness, meditation or a deep breathing activity, or catch up with a colleague or friend.
- Manage stress. Life stressors such as finances, work demands, conflict, bereavements, etc, can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Talk to your manager or the HR team to utilise your workplace support services to help address the stress in your life.
- Keep connected. Work, shift work or requirements to self-isolate can sometimes isolate you from friends and family. Take steps to communicate and connect with colleagues and people that matter most to help you feel energised and engaged in life.
- Give. It is in giving that we receive. Perform a random act of kindness such as paying someone a compliment or giving freely of your time or expertise to help a colleague, and you'll notice a boost to your own mental health.
- Keep learning. Be curious and seek out new experiences or skills to learn at work or in life to stimulate the brain, boost confidence and your mental health.
- Focus on what you can control. Read the image below to help you let go of everything that is out of your control in this situation and focus on what you CAN control.
Find more helpful resources on our Health & Wellbeing Portal for MAS Members:
The Stress KPI
Visit the link
Boost your nutrition
Visit the link
Boost your sleep
Visit the link
Boost your movement
Visit the link
Headstrong Challenge
Take your mental fitness to the next level to become Headstrong and get the most out of life. Wake up more positive and hopeful. Cope with unexpected stressors. See challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Make sure you've registered for the MAS Health and Wellbeing Portal to take part in this challenge. Register below now!
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