Wednesday 4th November is National Stress Awareness Day.  Helping people to beat stress, the theme this year is “Employee wellbeing as a worthwhile investment in your business”.

So what is stress, how does it affect us and what can we do about it?

Stress is something that will affect everyone at some point in their lives.  There are different types of stress. Good stress and bad stress.  Small amounts of good stress that release the hormones such as adrenalin can help motivate and enhance performance in the short term.  However too much stress can be detrimental to health and have long lasting effects on our bodies.

How do I know if I am stressed?

There are a number of signs and symptoms that demonstrate you are stressed, and they can relate to pressure from anything in your life, from work, home, school, even yourself or it can be a combination of everything. Here’s what to look out for:

• Inability to concentrate, complete tasks or make simple decisions
• Frequent colds, illness, tiredness, other aches, pains or allergies
• Tearful more often
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Trouble falling sleeping or staying awake
• Changes in appetite
• Mood swings, getting more angry or anxious than usual

So how can you reduce stress in your lives and feel happier and healthier?

The International Stress Management Association have put together a FREE 4 part Wellbeing booklet – ‘Practical ways to de-stress and seek good health.’ This is a practical guide to help you consider …

• What is Stress?
• Ways to Improve Your Wellbeing
• Creating The Physiology for Creative Engagement
• Your Wellbeing at Work

So don’t delay, check out their tips and advice on reducing your stress levels and start to feel happier and healthier.