Latest news with #StressAwarenessMonth
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Scotsman
Half of Brits lose up to two days a year to ‘tech-mares'
Half of Brits lose up to two days a year to 'tech-mares', time spent troubleshooting tech at home, leading one in three to consider paying someone to manage tech troubles. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's no secret that people rely on having great connectivity at home. Whether it's working from home, binging telly or streaming the footie, nearly seven in ten (67%) say it's a major inconvenience if their broadband is down, with Millennials being the most impacted group (75%). And it's not just everyday moments that can be ruined. Four in ten Brits missed out on core family memories, the chance to snag sought-after concert tickets like Oasis, coveted game day seats, or crucial deadlines. Some have even lost clients or missed out on a dream job. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To help ease this tech stress, TalkTalk has announced Broadband Proactive Alerts – a free service that detects and alerts customers to nearby network issues, often before they even notice, in time for Stress Awareness Month. The tool helps people reclaim valuable time and alleviate tech-related frustrations. 'Tech-mares' are leaving Brits in a state of digital despair. The unpredictability of network outages stresses out a staggering two-thirds, while the endless cycle of troubleshooting (34%) and the mystery surrounding the cause (31%) only add fuel to the fire. This has caused Brits to crave a proactive tool or 'life admin' support to help manage home tech headaches – saving them both time and stress. Six in ten (61%) say knowing their broadband is down would help to better manage their stress. TalkTalk's Broadband Proactive Alerts is a free service that notifies customers, who are on a fibre to the cabinet connection from Openreach, of nearby network outages quickly after they occur, significantly improving their online experience and helping them feel more in control. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The service combines proactive outage notifications with dedicated case management, enhanced self-service and real-time tracking, to give customers* much-needed reassurance. Leigh Halliwell, Head of Service Assurance at TalkTalk, said: 'Our research shows that tech troubles and broadband disruptions are a major cause of everyday stress. Brits have been crying out for much-needed tech and life admin support at home – with one-third even admitting it's something they'd pay for. "We're continuously innovating to deliver a service that not only meets our customers' needs but also empowers them to get the most out of their connection. "This is why we're happy to give households across the nation one less thing to worry about, solving tech-mares through our new Broadband Proactive Alerts service. It minimises stress for our customers by making them aware of nearby network issues quickly after they occur, removing uncertainty and giving much-needed reassurance and support.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Psychologist Dr. Sarita Robinson commented: "We rely on broadband and technology more than ever now so, when things go wrong, it can be a real cause of frustration - increasing our anxiety and making life feel more stressful than it should. "The new tool not only alleviates stress but allows individuals to feel an element of control and focus on what truly matters – whether that's work, family or simply unwinding after a long day. It's valuable not only during Stress Awareness Month but beyond, as having tools that remove the frustration associated with network outages is a positive step towards reducing tension and increasing a sense of calm.' Dr. Sarita, a survivalist psychologist, shares her five tips to reduce stress at home, including navigating 'tech-mares': Learn more about TalkTalk Broadband here: Track and tackle stress with tech : Fitness trackers and relaxation apps can flag rising stress and suggest calming interventions like breathing exercises : Fitness trackers and relaxation apps can flag rising stress and suggest calming interventions like breathing exercises Book in family downtime : Tech can be a tool for connection - prioritise quality time by scheduling fun activities like movie or videogame nights into the family calendar : Tech can be a tool for connection - prioritise quality time by scheduling fun activities like movie or videogame nights into the family calendar Create a shared online family diary: Reduce stress with a family calendar app to track appointments, activities and deadline sot lighten the mental load Reduce stress with a family calendar app to track appointments, activities and deadline sot lighten the mental load Get active together: Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce stress – even a simple walk or short exercise video at home can help! Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce stress – even a simple walk or short exercise video at home can help! Create a calm household culture: Encourage open conversations, healthy snacks and consistent sleep routines to keep moods balanced and stress in check With Broadband Proactive Alerts, TalkTalk is giving eligible customers* back their time, reducing stress, and ensuring a smoother, more reliable online experience.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Games Making A Comeback: 7 Ways To Improve Stress And Work Connections
Office games are making a comeback, and some of the newer ones can help you manage work stress and ... More solidify relationships with your team. Feeling mentally foggy, overwhelmed or just can't seem to focus? You're far from alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 76% of adults in the U.S. report at least one stress-related health symptom. And a recent Google Trends report reveals searches for 'chronic stress' reaching an all-time high, coinciding with Stress Awareness Month, signaling a growing mental health crisis. But what if the key to mental clarity and workplace relationships wasn't to sit and talk about it or meditate on it but instead to play it out? You could be rolling your eyes, yet there's a trend of games making a comeback, helping employees manage workplace stress and build team connections. I spoke with game expert Laura Robinson, who told me that games made a comeback during the pandemic when we were all locked down. 'They kept us connected when we were isolated,' she says. 'As AI and automation overtake the work world with the potential to further disconnect us from one another, parlor games have enjoyed a renaissance.' And she ought to know. Robinson (no relation to me) has built a professional career from creating parlor games to producing TV game shows. She co-created the international mega-hit, Balderdash and was the Emmy-nominated executive producer and creator of the hit show, Celebrity Name Game. The game aficionado believes games are important in today's world because people everywhere are hunched over their cell phones, passively watching videos and interacting, isolated in their own little worlds—perhaps to escape the troubling times in which we live. Her observations underscore Gallup's Global State of Social Connections, showing that 24% of the global population feels lonely, and young people aged 19 to 29 are more lonely than older adults from ages 65-plus. Holger Sindbaek, founder of World of Card Games, explains how board games can serve as micro-breaks--short bursts of time away from work that reset your mind and boost your well-being. 'When everything feels overwhelming, a board game brings you back to the moment," he told me. "You're not checking your phone or thinking about tomorrow—you're just here, focused and having fun. That break alone can do wonders.' Sindbaek offers seven benefits of board games to reduce stress: 1. Create Mindful Focus. 'Board games demand present-moment attention, temporarily shifting focus away from worries, similar to mindfulness meditation but in a more engaging format.' 2. Promote Social Connection. 'Face-to-face interaction during gameplay triggers oxytocin release, a hormone that counteracts cortisol and promotes feelings of security and bonding.' 3. Provide Controllable Challenges. 'Unlike work or life stressors, board games offer challenges within a controlled environment with clear rules, giving you a sense of agency often missing during stressful periods.' 4. Trigger Positive Emotions. 'Laughter and enjoyment during gameplay stimulate endorphin release, the body's natural mood elevators that can reduce perceived stress.' 5. Establish Healthy Routine Breaks. 'Scheduling regular board game nights creates anticipated breaks from stress, giving your mind something positive to look forward to during difficult weeks.' 6. Engage Multiple Senses. 'The tactile experience of moving pieces, shuffling cards and manipulating game components provides sensory grounding that can help interrupt stress-response cycles.' 7. Foster Achievement Without Pressure. 'Games provide opportunities to experience success and mastery in low-stakes environments, boosting confidence that can transfer to handling real-world stressors more effectively.' Dr. Nikki Scheiner with Ben's Natural Health, identifies four games proven to relax the brain by influencing its stress response systems, focus mechanisms and neural pathways. 1. Pick up a racket and calm your thoughts. Scheiner explains that racket sports like tennis are one of the most effective ways to reset your brain and clear mental clutter. The mix of movement, focus and fast-paced decision-making creates what experts call a flow state--where your brain becomes deeply focused and inner noise fades. 'Playing tennis improves how your brain connects different regions,' she explains. 'It helps you stay focused and think clearly for the rest of the day.' The science: People who play racket sports have significantly lower stress levels and better cognitive performance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2. Play your stress away with strategy games. Scheiner suggests that you don't need to break a sweat to boost your brain. She mentions games like Sudoku, chess or even mobile puzzle apps can redirect anxiety into structured problem-solving, offering quick mental relief. 'Strategic gaming triggers a surge in alpha brain waves,' she says. 'This creates the ideal neurological state--calm yet alert--where stress dissolves and mental processing thrives.' The science: Playing strategy games improves working memory by 12-18%--measurable progress in just a few sessions. Computers in Human Behavior found. 3. Try archery to quiet your inner critic. If you're looking for mindfulness without meditation, Scheiner insists that target sports like archery deliver fast, focus-enhancing results. How? The deliberate aiming process activates your brain's sensorimotor systems and shuts down background stress signals. 'Activities requiring precision, like archery, force complete present-moment awareness," she notes. 'This integration calms racing thoughts and boosts focus within a single session.' 4. Play music to build stress resilience. Scheiner suggests that the most powerful tool for mental clarity is playing a musical instrument because it activates multiple brain regions at once, helping to regulate emotions and lower stress hormone levels. 'Musicians show stronger connections between the areas of the brain responsible for emotion and planning,' she points out. 'This leads to better mood control and long-term stress reduction.' The science: Regular musical practice boosts brain connectivity by 10–25%, depending on the time invested. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. Some experts contend that the key to mental calm and clarity isn't always to sit still and 'clear your mind,' but instead to actively engage it in the right way. That's why there's a trend of games making a comeback. If you're a game beginner, Scheiner suggests choosing just one activity and practicing it for 15 minutes twice a week. 'You'll start noticing clearer thinking and improved mood in just a few weeks.' And Sindbaek concludes, 'In a world that feels increasingly fast and digital, board games invite us to slow down, connect and be present. That's not just fun—it's necessary.'
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Scotsman
Half of Brits lose up to two days a year to ‘tech-mares'
Half of Brits lose up to two days a year to 'tech-mares', time spent troubleshooting tech at home, leading one in three to consider paying someone to manage tech troubles. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's no secret that people rely on having great connectivity at home. Whether it's working from home, binging telly or streaming the footie, nearly seven in ten (67%) say it's a major inconvenience if their broadband is down, with Millennials being the most impacted group (75%). And it's not just everyday moments that can be ruined. Four in ten Brits missed out on core family memories, the chance to snag sought-after concert tickets like Oasis, coveted game day seats, or crucial deadlines. Some have even lost clients or missed out on a dream job. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To help ease this tech stress, TalkTalk has announced Broadband Proactive Alerts – a free service that detects and alerts customers to nearby network issues, often before they even notice, in time for Stress Awareness Month. The tool helps people reclaim valuable time and alleviate tech-related frustrations. 'Tech-mares' are leaving Brits in a state of digital despair. The unpredictability of network outages stresses out a staggering two-thirds, while the endless cycle of troubleshooting (34%) and the mystery surrounding the cause (31%) only add fuel to the fire. This has caused Brits to crave a proactive tool or 'life admin' support to help manage home tech headaches – saving them both time and stress. Six in ten (61%) say knowing their broadband is down would help to better manage their stress. TalkTalk's Broadband Proactive Alerts is a free service that notifies customers, who are on a fibre to the cabinet connection from Openreach, of nearby network outages quickly after they occur, significantly improving their online experience and helping them feel more in control. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The service combines proactive outage notifications with dedicated case management, enhanced self-service and real-time tracking, to give customers* much-needed reassurance. Leigh Halliwell, Head of Service Assurance at TalkTalk, said: 'Our research shows that tech troubles and broadband disruptions are a major cause of everyday stress. Brits have been crying out for much-needed tech and life admin support at home – with one-third even admitting it's something they'd pay for. "We're continuously innovating to deliver a service that not only meets our customers' needs but also empowers them to get the most out of their connection. "This is why we're happy to give households across the nation one less thing to worry about, solving tech-mares through our new Broadband Proactive Alerts service. It minimises stress for our customers by making them aware of nearby network issues quickly after they occur, removing uncertainty and giving much-needed reassurance and support.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Psychologist Dr. Sarita Robinson commented: "We rely on broadband and technology more than ever now so, when things go wrong, it can be a real cause of frustration - increasing our anxiety and making life feel more stressful than it should. "The new tool not only alleviates stress but allows individuals to feel an element of control and focus on what truly matters – whether that's work, family or simply unwinding after a long day. It's valuable not only during Stress Awareness Month but beyond, as having tools that remove the frustration associated with network outages is a positive step towards reducing tension and increasing a sense of calm.' Dr. Sarita, a survivalist psychologist, shares her five tips to reduce stress at home, including navigating 'tech-mares': Learn more about TalkTalk Broadband here: Track and tackle stress with tech : Fitness trackers and relaxation apps can flag rising stress and suggest calming interventions like breathing exercises : Fitness trackers and relaxation apps can flag rising stress and suggest calming interventions like breathing exercises Book in family downtime : Tech can be a tool for connection - prioritise quality time by scheduling fun activities like movie or videogame nights into the family calendar : Tech can be a tool for connection - prioritise quality time by scheduling fun activities like movie or videogame nights into the family calendar Create a shared online family diary: Reduce stress with a family calendar app to track appointments, activities and deadline sot lighten the mental load Reduce stress with a family calendar app to track appointments, activities and deadline sot lighten the mental load Get active together: Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce stress – even a simple walk or short exercise video at home can help! Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce stress – even a simple walk or short exercise video at home can help! Create a calm household culture: Encourage open conversations, healthy snacks and consistent sleep routines to keep moods balanced and stress in check
The Independent
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
How to tackle money stress
Stress. It's a word we bandy around often but what does it actually mean? According to the NHS, stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. A bit of stress is normal – after all, things challenge us daily. The key is recognising when stress is a problem. When we're stressed, our body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol and this can be helpful, as it can help us focus and get things done. But too much stress can affect our mental and physical health – from money worries keeping us awake at night to bristling with irritability and snapping at loved ones. Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. Around one in four adults in Great Britain say they find it fairly or very difficult to get by financially, according to the Office for National Statistics' National Wellbeing Dashboard. Here's what my clients tell me about stress: 'Talia, I want to stop stressing about money. I want to know I have enough money to live well – now and in future. I live with a constant level of stress because money is always nagging away at the back of my mind.' So, what can be done to alleviate money stress? Knowing you're stressed about money is one thing but knowing isn't doing. It's important to focus on what you can control. Pause and reflect In my experience, it's common for people to spend more time stressing about their finances than actually working on their finances. The result? Nothing changes. And people live with a constant level of stress because money is always nagging at the back of their mind. Stress is a sign that something needs dealing with, so listen to what your stress is telling you. Reflect on what's causing your stress and consider what changes are needed. It can help to put pen to paper to slow your racing mind and write down what's causing you stress. Seeing it written down can give you clarity needed to take action. Give yourself permission to learn There's an assumption that because we all use money, by the time we're adults we should all know how to manage money. And if we struggle, it's easy to consider it a personal failing. But let's consider managing money a skill like any other. A skill that has to be learned, honed, developed. Give yourself permission to learn about money – your money. And understand the cause of your financial stress so you can address it. One step at a time Baby steps to bigger goals is what I say to my clients. It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done and then to be 'overwhelmed into inaction', as one client said to me. The result is that nothing changes. Instead, focus on what you can control. Work backwards and break that bigger financial goal down into small steps, baby steps. And then take action one step at a time. Keep doing what keeps you well When stressed, it's common to drop all of the things that keep us well, such as exercising or spending time with family and friends. Can't manage a workout? Go for a walk. Can't spend time with a group of friends? See people one-on-one. Self-care isn't just a nice to have – looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is key to managing stress levels. Open up, seek help A problem shared is a problem halved. A trusted person can listen and provide new perspectives and solutions. Is there a friend, family member, colleague or peer you could speak with? Does your workplace or trade union or professional body offer a financial support service? There are brilliant organisations doing great work to support people with money. If you're worried about debt, charities such as StepChange can help. Citizens Advice can help with money, legal and other problems. Financial guidance website MoneyHelper has a range of resources. Talia Loderick is a money coach. Talia helps people understand and take control of their behaviour with money so they can stop stressing about money and have enough to live well – now and in future. Visit:
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
From burping after dinner to snoozing your alarm – the 5 signs of ‘secret stress' that could shorten your lifespan
WE all know that prolonged stress isn't good for our mental or physical health. And most of us can probably recognise some of the telltale warning signs that rear their ugly head when the pressure starts to mount. 6 Headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems and sleepless nights - sound familiar, right? While all important red flags, there are other, less obvious stress symptoms to be aware of. Maria-Teresa Daher-Cusack, an organisational health psychologist at Health Assured, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'We often associate stress with things that may be glaringly obvious, such as shouting or being short tempered, but stress can be silent and unassuming. ''Silent' or 'quiet' stress occurs when people internalise their stress rather than opening up or trying to take the steps to address what's causing it.' Stress is our natural response to threats. Our body releases a floodgate of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which puts us into what's known as 'fight or flight' mode. This process triggers classic signs of stress - like sweaty palms and a racing heart - while diverting attention away from key areas of the body, such as the digestive, immune and reproductive system. But the hormonal cascade can initiate other symptoms we may not necessarily link to stress. Whether we snap more than usual or find it hard to concentrate, it's vital to learn how to tune into our bodies so that the signals don't go unnoticed. Not only can stress increase our risk of flu, depression, heart issues and stroke, it can shorten our life expectancy by almost three years, according to research by the National Institute of Health and Welfare. April is Stress Awareness Month and the perfect time to reset sky-high levels so we feel more able to manage day-to-day life. So from unrelenting jaw pain to incessant acid reflux, here are some of the most overlooked signs of stress - and expert tips to help combat each one... BURPING 6 STRESS can have a knock-on effect on digestion, and you might notice you go to the loo more (or the opposite), when you're feeling under the cosh. But burping after eating - a symptom of acid reflux - is another key sign you may not have linked to your angst. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows up towards the throat, triggering heartburn, chest pain and a sour aftertaste. Rethinking your eating habits can help to minimise this frustrating affliction. 'Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and remain upright after eating,' says public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire. 'It's also worth steering clear of triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods and citrus, along with staying well-hydrated.' STRESS can do everything from increase our risk of heart issues and stroke to lower our chances of getting pregnant. It can also make us more susceptible to illness, and can even shorten our life expectancy by almost three years. But there are some simple ways to combat everyday stress. Yetunde Bankole, head of mental health and wellbeing at Vitality, recommends: Moving your body - exercising reduces stress hormones and triggers the release of mood-boosting endorphins, while providing an outlet to burn off pent up energy. Mindfulness - deep breathing and meditation physically calm the body and clear the mind by soothing the nervous system and lowering the heart rate. Reframing your thoughts - recognise your thoughts in the moment, acknowledge them with kindness, and don't feel guilty. Taking a break - step away from whatever you're doing for a few minutes to grab some water or fresh air, and return with a new perspective. Connection - a good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your troubles and help you see things in a different way. A SORE JAW 6 PENT up energy has to go somewhere when you're stressed. If you're suffering from chronic jaw pain, a trip to the doctor rather than the dentist might be in order, because a tightness in the area probably doesn't have anything to do with the state of your gnashers. Grinding your teeth when you sleep is an overlooked symptom of stress caused by muscle tension. 'Stress can lead to teeth clenching, grinding and temporomandibular joint disorder, when the jaw joint becomes misaligned,' says GP Dr Nisa Aslam. Applying a cold compress coupled with regular jaw stretches can help to alleviate pain. It's also worth avoiding chewy foods in favour of softer textures and soups. HITTING SNOOZE IF you can't wake up without hitting the snooze button, find it hard to muster up the energy for simple tasks, and your eyelids constantly feel droopy, you may be suffering from a stress-related nutritional deficiency. Stress can deplete levels of iron, which can make you feel more tired, according to research by Brown University. As well as fatigue, watch out for pale skin, dizziness and shortness of breath. Dr Derbyshire says strive to eat a balanced diet containing iron-rich red meat, liver, dark green leafy vegetables, dried apricots and wholegrains. It's also important to include extra vitamin C as it helps to increase iron absorption from plant-based sources, she adds. If you think you might be at risk of low iron, speak to your GP about getting tested. BEING BUNGED UP TRAPPED wind isn't just a side effect of eating too many beans. This embarrassing and uncomfortable ailment can be brought on by stress. 'Stress can affect the length of time it takes food to pass through the gut and it can speed it up or slow it down,' says Dr Derbyshire. 'This can cause excessive fermentation, more gas and feelings of being 'bunged up' in the gut.' A targeted probiotic supplement can help to tackle trapped wind, specifically the strains bifidobacterium longum 1714 and 3562 (found in PrecisionBiotics Alflorex Dual Action, £29.99) which have been shown to reduce gas and abdominal pain. EYE TWITCHES WHEN it comes to bizarre stress symptoms, flinching eyes and cheek spasms are up there on the list. 'Facial tension can cause the muscles to contract involuntarily, leading to twitches or spasms,' Dr Aslam says. 'The 'fight or flight' response can also overactivate the nervous system and again induce facial spasms.' Magnesium-rich foods can help to reduce muscle tension as the mineral works as a nervous system relaxant, she adds. Almonds, quinoa, spinach and kale are all good sources.
