You may have noticed that we at Soul Search Publishing are very interested in all things related to stress management and its consequences on your health and well being if left unchecked; we’ve even written a whole book on the subject called The Anti Stress Book, so passionate are we to help alleviate what is fast becoming the world’s most virulent epidemic… forget Swine Flu! While Swine flu is definitely a serious contender in view of the speed with which it is affecting the world, but stress and its associated consequences account for more days lost at work, more marital friction and more mental health problems than any other dis- ease today.
Official research is showing that prolonged exposure to chronic and constant stress is fast becoming a veritable killer. We just can’t function under this sort of consistent pressure. In our modern world, stress is a concern for us as a community, so we must address the issue both as individuals and as a society right away. We know that small amounts of stress can at times be good for us, spurring us to take action or step out of our comfort zone when we need to, but each year consistent results are showing us that as a nation we are no longer feeling just a little bit of stress and it is fast getting out of hand. And this is true in all other countries in the so call ‘civilized’ world. Are we beginning to lose a grip on what is really important in life? I believe we have already.
A national poll in Australia has found that 87% of the community is stressed. More alarmingly, 41% of Australians indicated that they are experiencing unhealthy levels of stress. The poll, commissioned annually by Lifeline Australia, conducted by News Poll and analyzed by Orima Research, has found that Australians cite workplace stress as their number one stressor, followed closely by financial stress, concerns about the future, health and personal relationships.
Interestingly enough, other results from the poll show that overall, women are more stressed out than men, people who live in big cities are more stressed than people who live in the country, single people are commonly more stressed than couples and the more people earn, the more stressed they get! What does that say about our values as a nation?
To help the country stress less, Lifeline Australia is once again holding Stress Down Day, on Friday 24 July and thousands of people around Australia are expected to take time out then to take part. Stress Down Day is part of a drive to get Australians to stress less as extreme levels of stress have been linked to real and lasting mental and physical health problems, such as anxiety, depression, back and neck pain, not to mention heart disease and even cancer. The campaign is designed to encourage all Australians to stop and think about developing positive habits to reduce stress now.
Lifeline Australia CEO, Dawn O’Neil is quoted as saying that “Stress and emotional health are serious issues, but we really want people to also have some fun on Friday and to participate in activities with friends, family, colleagues or on their own.”
We’ve heard about all sorts of activities that are happening all over the country. Some people are holding morning teas or dinners; some are holding relaxation activities such as yoga, while others are doing something quite silly like wearing their pyjamas and the Lifeline slippers to work or school. Lifeline also has an online store where you can purchase other products besides their quirky slippers plus your generosity goes to support Lifeline.
There are any number of things that people can still do to get involved. It isn’t too late to join in. People may simply want to take some time out on Friday to do something that is relaxing to them, like going for a walk, meditating or reading a book. Arrange to do anything which is going to give you some respite from stress, if only for a little while. Who knows, it could … and should…become a daily habit if it stops you getting quite so stressed!
Lifeline wants all Australians to put stress aside for the day and enjoy some fun, stress reducing activities in return for making a financial donation to Lifeline. “We just ask that people consider making a donation to Lifeline when they do this,” Ms O’Neil said.
All funds raised from Stress Down on 24/7 will go towards covering the growing cost of running Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone counseling line. This service connects over 1,200 people all over Australia with emotional support and without the backing of the community, this service would just not be possible at all.
As a nation Australians need to address the toll that stress is taking on our physical and emotional wellbeing and develop vital strategies to deal with and reduce the level of stress we experience on a day to day basis. This is also true for Americans, Europeans or anyone else who is part of the high pressure, 21st century lifestyle. We must bring balance back into all our lives. Beyond raising much needed funds for Lifeline, Stress Down on 24/7 is intended to encourage Australians to consciously take steps to look after their own wellbeing for the longer term. Perhaps other countries could adopt this amusing stress awareness strategy? We’d love to hear about it happening all over the world as an anti stress initiative. Perhaps we could get it going like the Free Hug campaign?
To make a donation to Lifeline and get involved in Stress Down Day on 24/7 visit www.stressdown.org.au and if you would like some very practical help on how to deal with stress, don’t forget to check out our brand new book The Anti Stress Book.
Enjoy Stress Down Day! We will be wearing our slippers all day.
