with Nina De Rosa

International Stress Awareness Week

Since 1998, International Stress Awareness Week has been commemorated as a reminder towards the importance of mental health and emotional management. This year, the (almost) week-long commemoration runs from 1st to 5th November 2021. One of the topics highlighted this year is the importance of investment in mental health services which has become more apparent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We have witnessed many people experiencing loss during this pandemic. Not just the loss of lives, but loss of income, friendship, companionship and general freedoms. The world, suddenly, changed drastically to the point that it is no longer the place that we have once ever known. For many, this shift might be too shocking and the true affects on our mental health will be felt and impacted for many years to come. 

Stress Awareness Week becomes a very pivotal period for everyone to reflect and “take a break”. It is the time for every student and worker to recognise the stress they are involved with at school and their workplace. 

This week we welcomed all our students and staff back on site and although school life is not quite the same, having the small community feeling back within our walls has been warming.  Return to school may have caused stress for our families and I know that staff are still finding it difficult to 'teach' behind a mask.  I encourage everyone to literally go outside and breathe in the fresh air, mask free.  This could be the first step in releasing some stress.

We could each start by discovering our personal limits, creating boundaries in the workplace and among peers, leaving toxic relationships, as well as getting involved in physical activities. The purpose is to highlight the physical and mental impact of stress, as well as what we must all do to safeguard our well-being.

So, have you taken a break today? Chill out a little, and remember! Your mental health is as equally important as your physical health.

Happy International Stress Awareness Week!

Mrs D’s ‘Thought of the week’

“S.T.R.E.S.S. =

Someone Tyring to Repair Every Situation Solo" - Unknown