In the spotlight: Stress Awareness Month with Joanna

As we shine a light on Stress Awareness Month at Stroud Resourcing, it has been important for me to reflect on my coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exercise became a focus for me in my 30’s, a combination of needing an outlet for mental tension and recognising my metabolism was slowing down. But, in all honesty, it wasn’t intrinsic like it is for me now. Like most of my friends, I had children later in life, I worked really hard in my 30’s and enjoyed the freedom to travel and pursue social exploits.

At some point later (Husband, 2 children, family home, demanding business…) exercise became essential. Exercise helps me manage stress, boosts my concentration, productivity and helps me maintain a calmer state of mind - it’s a bonus that it keeps me fit.

Prior to lockdown I was enjoying HIT via an indoor bootcamp with a group of fabulous ladies and when lockdown happened, I switched to running. As Autumn ushered in the cold winter, it brought strained muscles, joints, and ligaments from running too often and I am now rehabilitating a Patella Alta.

There was a small window of switching to the gym before they closed leading into the 3^rd lockdown, however, I then lost my motivation to do HIT at home and didn’t exercise. For me, this was when lockdown was the hardest, but the reality was by this point I had overcome the height of personal and professional challenges (I lost a family member to COVID and my business was impacted by a recruitment freeze).

Lockdown has taught me so many lessons, I truly recognise how important exercise is for my mental wellbeing, but I’ve learnt other coping mechanisms that I will continue to use.

• I read books that I enjoy every night before I go to sleep – this stops my mind whirling about what I haven’t done or would like to do (this list is endless!).
• I refrain from watching, listening, or reading news coverage where media sensationalism is promoted.
• I get fresh air, often.
• I work long hours, but I flex these around family life, being connected to my Husband and Children is a key priority.  
• I typically disconnect with technology every evening from 21.00.
• I use essential oils that have calming and relaxing qualities. I love Neals’s Yard Women’s Balance.
• I bought a Shakti Acupressure Mat which is great for overall health and well-being.
• I’m mindful of the psychology behind the ‘Dipper and the Bucket’, it incorporates positive strategies for work and life.
• I remind myself how lucky I am, a wonderful Husband, the gift of 2 children, great friends, wonderful colleagues, a job that I enjoy, the power of choice, access to education and healthcare.