Stress Awareness Month 2024: Combatting Stress in an Age of Information Overload

Stress Awareness Month 2024: Combatting Stress in an Age of Information Overload

In the UK, 79% of adults experience stress at least once a month, with 74% feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year [1].
Research from Indeed reveals a concerning trend — 52% of all workers are now battling burnout, marking a 9% increase since before the pandemic [2].
Only 13% of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health openly at work [3].
Stress can lead to bad habits such as an increase in drinking alcohol, eating unhealthily, or smoking, which further exacerbate the negative effects of stress [4].

In today’s fast-paced world, the constant barrage of information can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and struggling with stress-related issues. The Stress Management Society is excited to launch the #LittleByLittle Campaign for Stress Awareness Month 2024, highlighting the power of small, everyday actions in combating stress and improving mental well-being.

The statistics paint a concerning picture of the current state of mental health: a significant portion of the population faces stress on a monthly basis, with an alarming percentage feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope. Moreover, the prevalence of burnout among workers has seen a notable increase since before the pandemic. Despite these challenges, there remains a significant stigma surrounding discussions about mental health in the workplace.

Beyond the immediate mental health concerns, stress can also lead individuals towards unhealthy coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, or smoking. These habits only serve to exacerbate the cycle of stress and exhaustion.

Recognizing the toll that information overload takes on our well-being, the #LittleByLittle Campaign emphasizes the importance of simple, manageable changes that seamlessly integrate into daily routines. By fostering open conversations and raising awareness, we aim to create a supportive environment where everyone can prioritize their mental well-being, one small step at a time.

Taking Small Steps Towards Big Change

Taking action on your mental wellbeing can often feel overwhelming, or you might simply not have the time to make big commitments for your wellbeing. This is why we want to emphasise the importance of small, consistent habits and activities that can have a huge benefit to your wellbeing over time. Neil Shah, Chief De-Stressing Officer at The Stress Management Society, shares, “Much like the single bricks in a sturdy house, each small step towards stress management contributes to a stronger foundation of mental wellbeing.” Over time, the accumulation of these small, consistent efforts leads to remarkable outcomes.

Research Highlights the Power of Small Actions on Wellbeing.

There is research to support this idea and demonstrate the importance of engaging in short daily actions to aid wellbeing, such as stress-relieving hobbies and enjoyable activities. A recent survey found that 60% of respondents agree that stress-relieving hobbies improve their productivity and confidence, with 54% agreeing that their hobbies reduce employee burnout from work-related stress [5]. In fact, research has shown that engaging in leisure activities can lead to reduced stress levels, as evidenced by decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol after engaging in art-related activities [6]. Daily hobbies and participation in activities you find enjoyable have a clear benefit for overall wellbeing and stress reduction, as studies show engagement is positively associated with self-reported health, happiness, and higher life satisfaction [7].

The time spent on these activities does not have to be long. A lot of us don’t have the time to engage in these activities every day while trying to juggle personal and professional responsibilities. However, the power of these activities is evident even if they are engaged in for just 10–20 minutes of your day. For example, research into mindfulness and meditation highlights the transformative effect it can have on reducing stress when engaging in it for just a short period of time. A 10-minute mindfulness meditation session can effectively reduce stress and anxiety through a sense of relaxation, calmness, and improved emotional regulation [8]. The benefits of adopting this habit can be incredible in such a short period of time. Research has found that just 10 days of guided meditation can reduce stress by 14% and irritability by 27%, while three weeks of use can lead to further stress reduction [9].

Short periods of daily exercise can also have great benefits. Scientists at the University of California found that just 10 minutes of light exercise a day, such as an evening stroll, can have great benefits for cognitive ability and mood for the elderly or those with low levels of physical activity [10]. The research highlights that just small steps towards increasing the amount of exercise that you do from zero to just 10 minutes are enough to yield improvements. The Stress Management Society believes in the Butterfly Effect of Wellbeing – the idea that small changes in one’s routine can set off a ripple effect, leading to transformative outcomes for individuals and communities alike. Participating in Stress Awareness Month can make a world of difference, not just for individuals but for their entire community.

Let’s take, for example, someone who decides to go for a short walk during their lunch break, simply to escape the office for a bit. They might not realise it at first, but this small action sets off a chain reaction of positive effects that extend far beyond just a change of scenery. On the surface, it could seem as if this lunchtime stroll is about stretching your legs, but it provides much more than this. It gives you a chance to clear your mind, shake off stress, and come back to your desk feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Regular walks like these also do wonders for your physical health. They help keep your heart healthy, improve your circulation, and reduce the risk of all sorts of health problems down the road. So, by making this simple activity a part of your routine, you’re not just looking out for your present wellbeing but also investing in your future. On an emotional level, taking a walk can work wonders too. Being out in nature, even if it’s just for a short time, can help you stay present and mindful. It’s like hitting pause on all the worries and pressures of the day and just focusing on the beauty around you. This kind of mindfulness can make a huge difference in how you handle stress and navigate through tough situations. Let’s not forget the social aspect of getting out. Going for a walk, especially if it’s a regular thing, gives you the chance to connect with others in your community. You might bump into neighbours, strike up conversations with fellow walkers, or simply enjoy the sense of camaraderie that comes from sharing the same space.

So, what might seem like a simple stroll is actually a powerful incentive for positive change, both for yourself and for those around you. That’s the beauty of Stress Awareness Month — it reminds us that even the smallest actions can have a big impact. Incorporating short actions to aid your health and wellbeing within your daily routine can have a profound impact on reducing stress levels, improving overall wellbeing, enhancing productivity, boosting confidence, and reducing burnout. By dedicating time to these activities regularly, individuals can experience significant benefits for their mental health and quality of life.

Therefore, the Little By Little campaign encourages individuals to integrate manageable adjustments into their daily routines. There is an emphasis on the short, snappy actions you can integrate into your daily routine to ensure there is a small window of focus on your wellbeing each and every day. This could be as simple as ensuring you take a walk during your lunch break, doing 10 minutes of stretching each day, or spending time listening to music you love. These small actions each day can be mental, emotional, or physical, as long as they serve as small building blocks in order to foster good mental health.

Building Communities of Support

Connection and community are also at the heart of the #LittleByLittle campaign. The campaign aims to cultivate a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness among participants.

Participating in the 30-Day Challenge as a community or organisation is not just about personal goals; it’s about coming together to support each other’s mental health journeys. By openly discussing commitments, participants create a culture of encouragement and understanding, breaking down barriers and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health with the shared, open experience of actively bettering their wellbeing.

One of the key features of the 30-Day Challenges is the buddy system. Pairing up with another participant in the challenge offers mutual support and accountability, ensuring that both individuals stay committed to their wellbeing goals. This practice not only promotes a culture of ‘checking in’ but also normalises conversations about mental health, as participants share a common goal of improving their overall wellbeing.

Join the Movement

The Stress Management Society invites the public to participate in Stress Awareness Month by adopting these small changes and sharing their experiences on social media using the hashtag #LittleByLittle.

For more information about the campaign and resources on stress management, please visit www.stress.org.uk/SAM2024. There are plenty of free resources for the public to use, including the 30-Day Challenge, posters, SAM infographic, and much more.

Stress Awareness Month, run by The Stress Management Society takes place in April each year and has run since 1992. The event raises awareness of the causes and possible cures for our modern-day stress epidemic.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Neil Shah is the founder and Director of The Stress Management Society, and head of research and consultancy firm International Wellbeing Insights. He is a leading international expert on stress management, mental health, happiness, and wellbeing.

An engaging and inspiring motivational speaker and success coach, he has extensive expertise in driving and creating positive societal and organisational change, as well as proven practical strategies to promote happiness and wellbeing. Author of many best-selling books including ‘The 10-Step Stress Solution’.

He is available for comments or interviews.

Kathryn Cousins is Wellbeing Programme Manager at The Stress Management Society and International Wellbeing Insights. For any press enquiries please email her at press@stress.org.uk

About The Stress Management Society

The Stress Management Society is a non-profit organisation and the UK’s leading authority on stress management. Since 2003, we have been offered practical support and advice to help individuals and companies recognise and reduce stress. The organisation was founded with the purpose of creating a happier, healthier, and more resilient world. For more information, please visit www.stress.org.uk  

Contact Details

For any press enquiries please contact:

The Stress Management Society

Email: press@stress.org.uk

Phone: +44203 1428650

Name: Neil Shah

Email: neil@stress.org.uk

Name: Kathryn Cousins

Email: info@stress.org.uk

References:

[1] Stress Statistics UK | 2023 Data | Champion Health

[2] 16 Employee Burnout Statistics You Can’t Ignore (everyonesocial.com)