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Managing Stress

Little by little, a little becomes a lot

Stress can affect us both mentally and physically, impacting our overall wellbeing and productivity.

In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a common part of our lives, but it's important to recognise its impact and find ways to manage it effectively.

Stress Awareness Day 6th November

We want to try and help everyone find a little bit of time to focus on you, your colleagues and your teams.

We all know what it is like to feel stressed - being under pressure is usually a normal part of life. Sometimes this can become overwhelming and lead to mental health problems or exacerbate existing problems, causing exhaustion, physical illness and can impact on every aspect of your life.

The smallest of steps taken each day towards self-care and stress reduction can have significant improvements on your mental (and physical) health over time. Which is why we are championing for the month of November “Little by Little”, asking you to think and do a few small (and very achievable) actions over the next few weeks for you, your colleagues and your teams. The impact of the small actions on their own may seem little, however the cumulative effects of turning these into habits can end up being profound!

Time to get involved!

Grab a Cuppa

Take time out of your busy day and have a cuppa with a colleague.

The social bonding with a colleague can strengthen personal connections and create a supportive work environment.

A mental break can enhance creativity and reduce overall stress levels.

A simple change of environment can refresh perspective and reduce stress.

Make a little change

Making small changes can have a significant impact on reducing stress at work.

Organise your workspace, a cluttered desk can contribute to stress, reducing anxiety and boosting productivity.

Stay hydrated and snack healthy, keep a bottle water on you and choose healthy snacks

Let us know about it

Let everyone know what little thing you have done and how its helped you by posting it on Connect and you could be in with a chance of winning a voucher to either help you enjoy some valuable me time or make memories with friends and family.

Use the hashtag #LittlebyLittle

What can you do?

Be Active

Being active has a positive effect on our mental wellbeing by relaxing and boosting our mood. Discover a physical activity that you enjoy – it doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout, you could go for a walk, do some gardening or some yoga. Other tips to be more active include:

Use the stairs instead of the lift
Spend time outdoors
Join an exercise class with friends or try some online options

Eat Well

If you tend to eat more when you are feeling stressed, you’re not alone but what we eat and drink can impact on how we feel. Tips to eat well include:

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Try to use less oil and fat when cooking
Try to drink less tea, coffee and fizzy drinks

Sleep Well

Regularly getting a good night’s sleep is very important to good mental health. Exercise can help with this, as well as cutting down on caffeine. Other tips to improve your sleep include:

Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet enough for you to sleep
Try to relax before bedtime, away from TVs, smartphones and other digital devices, maybe have a warm bath
Avoid big meals just before bedtime
If you cannot sleep, try going to a different room and doing something else to take your mind off things. Having a milky drink can also help.

Try to Relax

Feeling anxious and under pressure can affect our wellbeing. Think about what helps you relax and make time to do something just for you. You could:

Go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be far, even just round the block can help.
Try taking deep breaths for a few moments or do a guided meditation
Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby
Do something you enjoy, like dancing, reading or listening to music

A few facts...

79% of adults in the UK experience stress at least once a month, with 74% feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year

Research from Indeed reveals 52% of all workers are now battling burnout, marking a 9% increase since before the pandemic

Only 13% of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health openly at work

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

In today’s fast-paced world, the constant barrage of information can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and struggling with stress-related issues.

Stress Awareness Podcast

Have a listen to our Stress Awareness Month podcast with Travelodge colleague Niki as we dive deep into the world of stress, its impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, and effective strategies to manage and reduce it.

Niki shares her personal experiences and practical tips to help you navigate through stressful situations with ease.

Click HERE to listen

How to make stress your friend

Stress. It makes your heart pound, your breathing quicken and your forehead sweat. But while stress has been made into a public health enemy, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe that to be the case. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal urges us to see stress as a positive, and introduces us to an unsung mechanism for stress reduction: reaching out to others.

Digital detox

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of social media, emails, and online distractions. But taking a step back and disconnecting from the digital world can do wonders for your mental wellbeing.

During a digital detox, you'll have the opportunity to reconnect with yourself, engage in meaningful activities, and foster stronger relationships with those around you. It's a chance to rediscover the joy of offline experiences and find balance in this hyperconnected world.

So why not give it a try? Take a break from screens and unplug and unwind!

Click HERE to view the guide

Daily De-stressing Planner

With this Daily De-stressing Planner, you can take control of your stress and create balance in your daily routine. By breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks, you can tackle them one step at a time, reducing the overwhelming feeling that often accompanies a busy schedule.

Track your emotions to gain valuable insight into what triggers stress and develop strategies to cope effectively. Whether it's scheduling time for exercise, meditation, or simply indulging in activities that bring you joy, this planner reminds you to make yourself a priority.

Click HERE to view the planner

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