Relaxation Day 2024: Why it’s more important than ever for stress at work

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In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure of balancing stress at work alongside your own personal life can often feel overwhelming.

Stress at work is a significant issue faced by employees across all industries and can result in severe psychological harm and mental health issues if experienced over a prolonged period of time.

Relaxation Day 2024

As today marks Relaxation Day 2024, it’s the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of taking time to unwind, recharge, and prioritise our health and wellbeing.

In this article, we look at what causes stress at work and five tips to practice relaxation.

Understanding stress at work

Stress at work can arise from a variety of factors, including excessive workloads, tight deadlines, lack of support, or conflicts with colleagues or management.

Prolonged stress doesn’t just affect productivity – it can also lead to more serious consequences, such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), work-related stress, depression, or anxiety accounts for 51% of all work-related ill health cases in the UK.

At Oakwood Solicitors, we specialise in assisting employees who are struggling with work-related stress, helping them to understand their rights and take action when they feel unsupported by their employer.

While it’s vital to tackle these issues from a legal standpoint, it’s equally important to adopt practices that can help manage and reduce stress on a daily basis.

What is Relaxation Day?

August 15th marks Relaxation Day, a reminder to slow down and focus on your mental and physical health. It encourages individuals to take a step back from their hectic routines and make time for activities that encourage relaxation and calm.

Whether it’s going for a walk, going to the gym, or simply enjoying a hobby, the day is dedicated to self-care and well-being.

For those feeling overwhelmed at work, Relaxation Day is an invitation to prioritise your mental health and think about ways to relax.

Jessica Rowson, Psychiatric Injury Solicitor and Director at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd said:

“On National Relaxation Day, it’s a timely reminder that taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as physical health. If work-related stress has impacted your life, it’s crucial to seek support and understand your legal rights.

“Employers have a duty to ensure a safe and manageable work environment. If stress has caused your mental health to suffer, consulting with a specialist personal injury solicitor can help you explore your legal options and allow you to focus on your recovery and relaxation.”

5 tips to relax amid stress at work

Even though relaxation can seem unthinkable in a busy work environment, incorporating small changes can make a huge difference. Here are some tips to help you prioritise relaxation and mindfulness.

Take Regular Breaks: Step away from your desk for a few minutes throughout the day to reset your mind. A quick walk, some deep breathing, or a cup of tea can help you decompress for a short period of time.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to help centre your thoughts and reduce anxiety.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Disconnecting after work hours can help reduce the feeling of constant pressure.
Exercise: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Even a short workout or stretching session can boost your mood and help you unwind.
Talk It Out: If you’re struggling with stress at work, reach out to a colleague, manager or professional for support. Sometimes just talking about your feelings can help and they may they may come up with ways to alleviate your stress.

Oakwood Solicitors and stress at work

At Oakwood Solicitors, we understand the impact that work-related stress can have on your life. If you feel that your employer has failed to support you through stressful situations or that your work conditions are causing significant harm to your health, you may be entitled to make a claim.

Our dedicated Stress at Work team is here to provide expert legal advice, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve. We work tirelessly to protect the rights of employees and hold employers accountable for their duty of care.

On Relaxation Day 2024, take a moment to focus on yourself and consider the steps you can take to manage stress at work. And remember, if your stress becomes unmanageable and your employer isn’t taking action, Oakwood Solicitors is here to help.

If you’re experiencing stress at work and want to discuss your situation, contact our team today for a free consultation.