Allison Homes shares top ways to destress this Stress Awareness Month

This Stress Awareness Month (April), we asked the Allison Homes team to share the top ways they reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

Stress Awareness Month is organised by the Stress Management Society, and this year’s theme is #LittleByLittle – highlighting how taking small steps each day towards better self-care and stress reduction can lead to significant improvements in mental health over time.

John Anderson, CEO of Allison Group, said: “We take mental wellbeing very seriously at Allison Homes, and our mental health first aiders are always on hand to help anyone experiencing stress. This Stress Awareness Month, we wanted to share some of the best ways we destress, and would encourage those who are struggling to reach out for support.”

Talk with peers, friends and family
Many of our team suggested connecting with people around you to talk about your day or any concerns you may have, instead of keeping your emotions bottled up. Talking with a close friend or relative can significantly increase your mood and help to reduce feelings of loneliness. James Farebrother, our Senior Financial Analyst, said: “Communication is key. If something at work or home is stressing you out, talk about it.”

Stay active
Short bursts of physical exercise are proven to boost your mood and are a great way to let off some steam. Our staff shared how they enjoy exercising as much as possible, by cycling, walking, running, visiting the gym, and playing their favourite sports. Our South West Buyer, Louise Sleep, commented that making time for exercising really helps her mental wellbeing, and Sales Consultant, Karen Heard, said: “I walk the South West Coast Path a lot with my dog. Sometimes I don’t see a single person, but the sea views always helps the soul.”

Get plenty of sleep
When coping with a lot of stress, many people end up getting much less sleep than usual. Our employees recommended getting a good night’s sleep, as this will help you to recharge quickly and provide you with enough energy to get through busy days. Julia Brass, Head of Group Marketing, advised that getting enough sleep before a workday is really important, especially if you have a long commute.

Schedule breaks from screen time
To allow your brain to recharge, schedule in time away from your phone, laptop or TV, and if you have a work phone make sure you turn it off outside work hours. Head of HR, Zoe Evans, always structures her day to include breaks from her screen, and Jessie Heath, our East Marketing Manager, said: “I turn my phone onto ‘do not disturb’ before I go to sleep, and try not to look at my work phone over the weekend.”

Practice mindfulness

A few of our team members recommended meditating, to help you relax and focus on the present. John Anderson, CEO of Allison Group, said: “I try and meditate every day. Understanding how your mind works is critical to understanding how to manage your own wellbeing.” Another employee likes to keep a journal to help declutter their mind after a long day, and Land Manager in our East Midlands region, Aimée Watts, said: “I utilise a habits tracker, to focus on the days’ goals and how successful the day has been. It really helps to remember the good parts of a day, even if there have been some challenges.”

To find out more about Stress Awareness Month, click here