“I’ve got so much on today. I’m really stressed.”

We’re all guilty of saying those 3 little words from time to time: I’m really stressed. In the UK last year, 15.4 million working days were lost due to stress, making up 57% of all days lost due to ill health.

In a fast-paced modern world with many responsibilities it can be easy to forget to look after ourselves properly, so it’s no wonder that April is now being recognised as National Stress awareness Month. We all know stress is part of everyday life and at times a little stress can be motivating and beneficial, like the pressure of working to a deadline, getting the job done and out the door on time. But it’s important that we know the difference between good and bad stress.

But what does Stress Awareness Month really mean?

Stress Awareness Month focuses on raising awareness of one of the most pervasive problems facing modern society. Here at the Havas Lynx Group, this month has been dedicated to providing a full month of activities for employees to help reduce stress and give everyone the opportunity to get involved in something fun. Work forms a big part of our lives so it’s important that we enjoy it!

We kick started with a Digital Detox where we switched off emails outside of work hours; as we all know it’s important to have time away from work to unplug and recharge. We were also challenged to a 5:30PM dash, encouraging everyone to get out of the door on time.

As well as working with our Financial Advisors to ensure our financial health, there has been an abundance of physical activities; from Pilates and yoga classes, to run club and lunchtime strolls with the office dogs. We’ve enjoyed massages, mingled in the kitchen with colleagues whilst enjoying pancakes and smoothies, and had a good belly laugh at The Comedy Store.

The impact across the agency has been amazing! This month has given us all an outlet to cope with the stresses of life, make meaningful connections with one another and has helped towards working productively.