Our Take on Stress Awareness Month
Did you know that April is referred to as ‘Stress Awareness Month‘?
As spring enters full swing and we begin to wrap up the month, the Cherries are taking some time to reflect on stress and how we can reduce it in our work and personal lives. A recent statistic from the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 74% of UK adults felt so stressed at some point over the last year that they were overwhelmed or unable to cope.
At Yellow Cherry, we want our clients to feel like they can come to us if they feel overwhelmed or in a pickle. Our goal is to work as a team to make sure that projects are carried out in a way to reduce any potential for worry or angst.
That’s why, we’ve gathered some ‘cherry picks’ to reduce stress, even just a tiny bit:
Take a break
We know how difficult it can be to prioritise downtime for yourself, but it shouldn’t be.
Taking a break might mean different things for different people – perhaps it’s switching off the work phone for an hour or logging off your laptop. Taking a break can pull you away from the things that may be causing you anxiety or stress for a period of time, allowing you all-important time to wind down, breaking that cycle before it results in feeling overwhelmed.
Take a walk
We are located in central Inverness*, and feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world! We all know that taking a walk does wonders for your physical health, but an outdoor reset also benefits your mental health. Even a 10-minute brisk walk can provide a welcome boost of energy and brighten your mood.
*If you live in Scotland, just remember to dress for all 4 seasons in one day so you’re not caught short in the year-round rain.
Take time to manage your time
When task lists seem never-ending, and there aren’t enough hours in the day – day to day life can begin to feel messy, and before you know it – stress can begin to build. 
So, what can you do to make sure you are putting things in place to avoid feeling run down and overwhelmed? Some people (like a number of our Yellow Cherry team members!) would be lost without their notebooks and to-do lists!
But time management might look completely different to you – setting a routine such as what you carry out before and after work might help, as well as prioritising what really needs to be done, and what can wait for a few days.
Take time to talk
If you are feeling under the weather or that tasks are adding up, set aside time for a chat.
Studies have shown that talking about our problems or concerns works to reduce stress, strengthen our immune system, and reduce physical and mental signs of distress.
Who knows, you might even find yourself talking to a friend or team member who’s on the same page, and you will both have gained a solid sounding board.
Take time to enjoy yourself
It’s not just talking that has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety… laughter is the best medicine for a reason! Take time out to enjoy yourself. Stick on your favourite classic comedy movie and laugh until you’re sore, play some games, re-watch your favourite TV show, start a new project or settle down with a book – and don’t forget the snacks.
Why not take time to dust off your apron, and get baking, or cook what you like to eat. If you don’t have Zoom quiz fatigue, it might it even be time to rekindle online activities with your family and friends.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in more tips on how to reduce stress, visit the Stress Awareness website for a free guide.
Thinking of a web or design project that you would like some assistance on? Get in touch and we’ll endeavour to make the experience as stress-free as possible. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]