Stress Down Day is a bi-annual reminder reminding us that we need to take a break, something we should all be doing much more often. Life is back to moving at one hundred miles per hour and it seems as though there is always an excuse as to why we can’t slow down and take a breather; too many deadlines, not enough time and don’t forget the dire future of our planet.
Taking a break does not mean we are less productive or effective, anything but. We do not need to be on the verge of a mental breakdown to deserve a break. In fact, Psychology Today states that taking a break increases productivity and creativity.[1] Taking a short walk and getting out in nature are two of the simplest yet effective ways we can refresh our minds and prevent the build-up of stress.
“Stress is the biggest hidden epidemic affecting the health and safety of Britons today,” explains FirstLight Trust’s CEO and Founder, Dorinda Wolfe Murray.
“Through our Stress Down Day UK initiative on Friday 29 October we are encouraging people to take time out and relax; in doing so it helps put our lives and problems in perspective.”
This year, Stress Down Day lends a spotlight to reading and the benefits it has on our mental health and wellbeing. It’s not breaking news that the internet fuels anxiety, depression and isolation; why not challenge yourself to a screen free weekend and swap it for a page turner of a novel. Stretch your body before you get out of bed and before you go to sleep, you will be amazed at how small actions can amazingly increase your mental wellbeing, particularly if you’re ‘keeping up’ with these practices on a daily basis.
Share the book you choose to Stress Down with and tag us on Instagram @stressdownday with #StressDownDayUK.
For more information about Stress Down Day and how you can get involved visit the website https://stressdownday.uk/
- [1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201704/how-do-work-breaks-help-your-brain-5-surprising-answers
