The first Wednesday of November is Stress Awareness Day. Stress Awareness Day is on the 1st November. This is an opportunity to think about the effects of stress, physically and mentally, as well as how we can manage the feelings of stress.
International Stress Awareness Week
This year International Stress Awareness Week is from 1st November – 7th November 7th
International Stress Awareness Week is a week-long initiative that focuses on acknowledging the stresses of modern life and promoting techniques to combat these stresses. The week promotes the need to be allowed to discuss stress related challenges and foster positive mental wellbeing.
What’s with a Wednesday?
International Stress Awareness Week is also on a Wednesday. Why a Wednesday? The reason for a Wednesday is most people feel this day to be the most distressing day of the week.
How many times have you heard…
“It’s been a long week and it’s only Wednesday!”
Happy Hump Day!
#HumpDay
Wednesday was especially referred to as hump day in an effort to liven up the drudgery of the workweek. (Dictionary.com) 2023.
Hmmm… so even Dictionary.com has noted the negativity a Wednesday can bring!
Another interesting fact about stress!
Yes you heard it here too! Stress can be useful. Some people thrive on a little stress! It is said, it can motivate us to sort things out or get things done!
There are times when stresses can pile up, or a prolonged period of stress can really impact on us, leaving us feeling unable to cope. This is when we need to consider the impact stress is having on us mentally and physically.
Why do we get stressed?
There could be many reasons we can feel stressed;
Whether it’s deadlines for work.
Change in our relationships.
Pressures we may be putting on ourselves.
Money worries.
Relocating.
Unemployment.
Bereavement.
A series of minor irritations that stack up, all adding to feelings of helplessness.
What are the signs that you or someone you know could be stressed?
Signs are split into two different categories; Physical symptoms, Behavioural and emotional symptoms.
Physical Symptoms; can be caused by a rush of hormones in your body. When the hormones are released, they allow you to deal with pressures known as Fight or Flight response.
Mind accounts, ‘Fight or flight response’.
“Like all animals, human beings have evolved ways to help us protect ourselves from danger. When we feel under threat our bodies react by releasing certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can be helpful. The hormones make us feel more alert, so we can act faster. Make our hearts beat faster, quickly sending blood to where it’s needed. After we feel the threat has passed, our bodies release hormones to help relax our muscles to relax.”
(Mind, 2023)
This cycle sometimes causes us to shake. This is what is known as the Flight or Fight response, something that happens automatically within our bodies and unfortunately, we have no control over it.
Once the threat has passed our body goes back to normality. But if you’re feeling stressed these hormones can remain within your body and cause more harm.
The process can cause; raised blood pressure, increased heart rate. Increase the amount of sweat you produce. All prepares your body for an emergency response. Your bodies response can cause headaches, muscle tension, pain, nausea, indigestion, dizziness and palpitations.
Behavioural and emotional; you may feel constantly worried, racing thoughts, continually going over things, low self-esteem, increased anxiety.
Changes to your behaviour such as losing your temper more easily than before, acting irrationally or even becoming verbally or physically aggressive.
These behavioural and emotional effects build on the physical symptoms of stress making them much worse and harder to deal with. As an example, having extreme anxiety can make you feel so unwell you then begin to worry you have a serious condition.
Seeking professional advice.
First person to approach would be your GP. They should offer you advice about treatment and may refer you to another professional. They may offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Mindfulness approaches, these have been proven to reduce stress. Voluntary organisations may also be able to help you. Your GP will be able to give you more details about these.
We do have the following titles available in the library, where you can learn more about CBT and mindfulness approaches.
The books below are discoverable via LibrarySearch you can complete a search and find other suitable resources to support you.
Stress diary: to recognise what maybe the cause of stress.
You may struggle to find the cause of your stress, it may help to keep a ‘stress diary’ for a few weeks. Make a note when you felt stressed, what happened before and after you had these feelings. This can also help you identify the cause. The causes can be referred to as ‘Triggers’ once you identify the triggers you can work on reducing the stress.
Here is an example of a Stress Diary which you can download and have a go!
A helping hand to keep the stresses of university life away!
If you need support don’t forget you can seek help through Canterbury Christ Church University, we’re here to support you!
The Library Team have collated a collection of online resources to support you. Just scan the QR Code below.
Take a break!
It is important to take a break! If you’re working in the library make sure you to take a break from your studies! There are many things you can do!
StressLess
Do you want to chill in some comfy chairs, read a book, play a game or just rest and take a break for five minutes? You must visit, the StressLess Zone on the second floor at Augustine House!
To check out what activities and events are scheduled keep an eye on the Library social media platforms below:
Take a look at the Libby App and Overdrive where you can borrow an e-book or listen to an audiobook. It only has to be a short break, for you to recharge, have some food, drink and get away from your work!
You can find the Libby and OverDrive by going to LibrarySearch select Databases A-Z.
Portal of podcasts
The Library Team have collated a collection of podcasts to support Health and Wellbeing. You can find podcasts, music, books, audiobooks and mindfulness programmes to help you take a break from your studies! Or maybe you work well listening to something while you study? Whatever you prefer you can find out more, just scan the QR Code below.
Health and Wellbeing Team.
If you start to feel anxious or would like a conversation with someone.
Our friendly student support advisers at Canterbury Christ Church University offer confidential support and advice about personal, financial and housing matters. There are lots of different ways to contact the Student Support Services to suit your different needs:
Spectrum.Lifewill offer students immediate online, text and telephone support from qualified professionals. The free service is available 24/7, 365 days per year via:
If you need some guidance or experience any issues with funding your course or living costs, the University can offer advice and support.
Our Student Support and Wellbeing Advisers offer information and advice on funding, bursaries, scholarships, budgeting and money management and they’re happy to talk to you before you arrive.
The Disability Team at Canterbury Christ Church University ensure everyone reaches their full potential by offering support when you need it. The team are dedicated and experienced. Student Disability and Mental Wellbeing teams can support you to make the most of your time at university.
Library
Vicky Mason
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