National Stress Awareness Day: Prioritizing Wellbeing in Communications
By Anmol Harjani
Stress is an inevitable part of our professional lives, especially for communications professionals who often navigate tight deadlines, high expectations, and the constant demand for creativity. However, it’s crucial to recognize that stress doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategies and support systems, we can manage stress effectively and maintain our wellbeing.
Understanding Stress in the Workplace
Stress manifests differently for everyone. For some, it might be the pressure of an impending deadline; for others, it could be the challenge of balancing multiple projects simultaneously. Recognizing the signs of stress is the first step toward managing it. These signs can include irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension.
Strategies for Managing Stress
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Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: Adequate sleep and a balanced diet are foundational to mental health. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can exacerbate stress levels and impair cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
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Regular Physical Activity: Exercise is a proven stress reliever. Activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can help reduce tension and improve mood. Even short bursts of physical activity can make a significant difference.
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Mindfulness and Deep Breathing: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Practices like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing can be particularly effective in moments of acute stress.
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Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries: It’s essential to set achievable goals and communicate boundaries effectively. Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks when possible.
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Seek Social Support: Connecting with colleagues, friends, or family members can provide emotional support and perspective. Sharing your experiences and feelings can alleviate stress and foster a sense of community.
Corporate Initiatives Supporting Employee Wellbeing
Many organizations are recognizing the importance of mental health and are implementing programs to support their employees:
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IBM: IBM has been recognized for its efforts in promoting employee mental health and well-being through various programs and initiatives. The company has long adopted a systemic approach to provide mental health support to employees and improve overall health. The system relies on a “planning, implementation, evaluation, and review” cycle that audits employee wellness programs and requirements for health in the workplace.
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SAP: SAP has declared May 31 as SAP Mental Health Day 2022, an additional fully paid day off for all employees. This comes as an addition to the company’s “Are You Okay” campaign, which aims to prioritize mental health and raise awareness of the importance of early detection.
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American Express: American Express offers mental health counseling, stress management resources, and mindfulness training. The company also provides flexible work options and promotes work-life integration through wellness initiatives.
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Procter & Gamble: Procter & Gamble offers access to mental health resources, stress management programs, and on-site fitness centres. The company promotes a supportive work environment and encourages work-life balance through various initiatives.
Final thoughts
Managing stress is not about eliminating it entirely but about developing resilience and coping mechanisms to handle it effectively. By prioritizing sleep, nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness, and social support, we can navigate the challenges of our professional lives with greater ease. Additionally, supporting and advocating for workplace initiatives that promote mental health can create a more sustainable and supportive environment for all professionals.
Anmol Harjani is a Client Servicing Manager working with a remote company and a recent graduate of York University’s Public Relations and Communications program. She is especially interested in strategic communications, social media behaviour and how PR practitioners adapt within a rapidly evolving digital landscape.