Stress Awareness Month – #LeadWithLove (April 2025)

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Tip#1: Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend!
 
Stress Awareness Month has returned with this year’s theme being #LeadWithLove, encouraging us to try to approach stressful situations, ourselves, and others with compassion, kindness, understanding and acceptance.
Choosing self-compassion can help you ease the challenging situation, and make a difference to how you feel and react in the moment.
You may find this difficult to do at the beginning, especially if you’re prone to being hard on yourself, but with a bit of practice, you may just find that this is a technique that works for you.
 
We don’t always get to take time for self-care, but we can find tiny moments amidst challenging times when we can pause and choose to be compassionate towards ourselves. Even a minute can make a big difference.
 
How to practice self-compassion:
  • Treat yourself with kindness. If this were a friend, what would you say to them?
  • Acknowledge your feelings without judgement. They show up for a reason. What is that feeling trying to tell you?
  • Don’t judge yourself. Mistakes are a natural part of our lives, especially when you are juggling multiple tasks. Mistakes are there to teach us. What can you do differently next time?
  • Remember you are not alone. We all go through tough times, and it’s okay to ask for help. Who could you contact?
  • Consider your needs. How can I help myself, what would make me feel better now?
We are all different, so not all techniques work for everyone. Should you give practicing self-compassion a try, please share your experience with us by emailing centre@centralcarers.co.uk or commenting on the Self-compassion Facebook, Instagram or X post. 
Find more tips on how to manage stress here: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/
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Tip#2: Self-help techniques – find what works for you!

Self-help techniques are great for reducing stress, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all approach. We are all unique, and just because something works for some people, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the right technique for you, too. Therefore, it’s important to experiment so you can find what you like and what helps you.

Some things you could try:

  1. Meditations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/wellbeing-apps/bright-sky/calm-amongst-chaos/
  2. Breathwork: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/
  3. Regular physical activity and being outside when possible. What do you enjoy?
  4. Hobbies if your time allows
  5. Practical things NHS recommends:
    • Splitting up big tasks into manageable chunks
    • Planning ahead whenever possible
  6. CBT self-help techniques for reducing stress: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/

Additionally, you may want to check out this guide produced by the Mental Health Foundation ‘How to manage and reduce stress, which contains tips on how to manage stress and protect your mental health.

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Tip#3 Talk to someone

When you are under a lot of stress, the struggle can be isolating and tiresome to the extent that reaching out to someone is the last thing you may feel like doing.

But even just a casual chat with friends and/or family, a friendly neighbour or a nice colleague, can make the difference to how you feel and help you cope better.

It may be that you don’t have trusted friends or family whom you could turn to, and it can feel like you are all alone. It’s completely natural to feel this way, especially under the demands of a caring role. But know this, you are not alone. Many helplines and charities are there to support you.

You can also get in touch with one of our Adult Carer Support Workers, who can refer you to our Telephone Support Team, who provide emotional support to carers.

We also have various carer groups you may be able to join. Check out our What’s on page or speak to one of the Adult Carer Support Workers in Falkirk or Clackmannanshire from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.30 am to 4 pm to find the right one for you.

  • Falkirk Adult Carer Support  on 01324 611510 (Option 4)
  • Clackmannanshire Adult Carer Support on 01324 611510 (Option 2)

Here are some FREE Helplines you may find helpful:

And here are some FREE social gatherings you may consider joining:

Falkirk area:

Clackmannanshire:

Check out these pages for some events happening near you and our What’s on page to find something you like:

Carer’s Digital Discovery Project

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Imagine how much difference it would make to your life if you not only had access to technological devices that can make caring easier, but someone showed you how to use them!

Would you be juggling fewer tasks and feeling less overwhelmed? How about worrying less about your loved ones because you will be able to stay connected? Would you even have more time to yourself to do the things you enjoy? We think so!

Our Carer’s Digital Discovery project is a new space within the Carers Centre that will support you by showcasing how technology can make things a bit easier and less stressful.

The project will provide you with hands-on experience using devices such as voice assistants, wearable alarms, and smart home tools to help with your everyday tasks, monitor those you care for, and stay connected.

You will receive support to set up and use these devices in your own home, improving independence and well-being for both yourself and those you care for.

Help us make a difference! Vote now Backhand index pointing right https://bit.ly/vote_for_fccarerscentre

📍Note
You must live in Ward 7 – South Falkirk, and submit your vote by 28 February! 
Map of Ward 7: https://bit.ly/ward7_southfalkirk_map
List of postcodes in Ward 7: https://bit.ly/4hWnNfO