Here at Pulse Insurance this month, we are taking part in Stress Awareness Month.
Stress Awareness Month aims to empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing stress whether this is in the workplace or personal lives.
Why Pulse Insurance Limited are taking part in Stress Awareness Month?
It is important to be aware of stress and effects it can have. Stress does not discriminate and can affect anybody at any stage in their lives. As stress levels increase, productivity in turn suffers. As such we would like to take proactive steps towards ensuring a healthy working environment.
In addition to this all workplaces have been invited by The Health and Safety Executives (HSE) the national regulator for health and safety to follow 5 R’s to prevent and reduce stress in the workplace.
What are the 5 R’s?
1. Reach Out and have conversations – Connecting with others is a powerful way to reduce stress and gain perspective. Remember you are not alone in this journey! …
2. Recognise the signs and causes of stress – Stress can manifest in various ways, from physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue to emotional signs such as irritability and anxiety. Understanding what triggers your stress can help you manage it effectively. Take a moment to identify what stresses you out and explore ways to cope! Remember, it is ok to ask for help.
3. Respond to any risks you have identified – Acknowledging potential stressors in your life, you can take proactive measures to mitigate their impact. Whether it’s seeking support or practicing self-care, responding to risks can lead to a more balanced and less stressful life.
4. Reflect on actions that you have agreed to be taken – Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, dedicating time for self-care, these small steps can lead to big changes in our mental well-being to reduce stress.
5. Make It Routine – By taking part in stress reducing activities as part of our everyday lives. Whether this is a mindfulness meditation, yoga, walk or dedicating time to a hobby.
Here at Pulse Insurance Limited, we recognise that a great place to work is more than just clocking in and out – it’s a community of collaboration, creativity, well-being and a place to thrive!
Pulse Insurance Limited would like its employees to feel supported and valued, this in turn means stress levels decrease and productivity soars!
We actively encourage creating a positive work environment in our Pulse workplace that in turn can reduce stress with:
- Open communication and collaboration to drive innovation
- Work-life balance with flexible hours and remote options to help employees manage their personal lives alongside work.
- Continuous learning
- Recognition and Rewards with acknowledging hard work to boost morale and motivation
- Supportive Culture – A team that lifts each other up and creates a strong sense of belonging.
We strive for excellence, our work is a journey that we embrace with passion and dedication every step of the way.
Pulse Insurance Limited believes in balancing hard work with fun! ⚽️ That’s why we’ve set up a football goal for our staff to enjoy in our Sport & Leisure department in our Norwich office, during their recreational times. It’s the perfect way to reduce stress and boost team spirit!
Prevention is better than cure!
Let’s get proactive on managing stress taking small steps every day to prioritise your mental wellbeing. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, exercising or simply taking a break, every effort counts!
Remember that a little self-care goes a long way in keeping stress at bay.
1. Get creative – Did you know doing something creative uses a different part of the brain to where stress is occurring?
Something creative like colouring with beautiful patterns, meticulous designs and colours invite people to bring attention to the present moment. Colouring is not just for children; adult colouring is really a thing and is hugely popular and can be plain old fun!
Why not try out our mindfulness colouring page here
2. Go outside – Nature is great for wellbeing and gives opportunities for activities such as walking. You could try out a walking route from an organisation such as the National Walking Network Slow Ways
3. Try some breathing exercises / meditation / yoga –
To help get you started here are links to some available from the NHS
4. Talk to someone – Reach out to someone you trust such as a friend, family member, colleague or professional to help process your feelings and find support.
There are many charities and organisations that offer support for your wellbeing such as:
- NHS – Every Mind Matters
- Samaritans
- Mind
- Contact your local GP – who will be able to find tailored support to meet your needs
5. Listen to music – Sometimes all you need is a slower tempo to help quiet your mind and release the stress of the day. Check out “Electra” by Airstream and let the soothing sounds. Embrace tranquillity and find your calm.
Getting Insurance including a history of stress
If stress is ignored it can lead to complications and may even need hospital treatment. Severe stress that requires medical treatment can affect insurers’ willingness to offer cover for some types of insurance such as Accident & Sickness insurance, Income Protection Insurance, Travel Insurance or Personal Accident Insurance. So, if you have received any medical advice, medication, treatment or diagnoses related to stress you should declare this to your insurer, so let’s get proactive to manage those stress levels.
At Pulse Insurance Limited in our Specialty department, we offer Accident and Sickness Insurance and one of the major contributors to time off work is stress, so it is crucial to take proactive steps where possible to address any issues for a healthier and happier life.
Are you planning your next holiday to help destress? Time to press pause and recharge! Don’t forget to plan some activities to help you unwind and remember getting travel insurance policy is always recommended. You can find our travel insurance here at ‘Policy Direct’ that are part of our Pulse Insurance Limited.
Ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about unexpected issues. Plan where possible and stay safe and worry free! Pulse Insurance Limited specialise in finding insurance cover for those with medical conditions which make finding cover more difficult from mainstream providers. Whilst we cannot provide cover for everyone. We are generally able to offer an indication of cover in over 80% of cases.
The next time you are experiencing stress perhaps try out some of the suggested 5 top tips for reducing stress. Taking time for yourself is essential.