Last Updated: 01/08/2010

What is Stress Down Day?

Stress Down Day is organised by Lifeline where they encourage workplaces, schools and the community to have a bit of stress reducing fun whilst wearing slippers, dressing up or down. It will be held on the 23rd of July and will give the community the opportunity to reduce stress levels and raise some money for the Lifeline service. Lifeline is a 24 hour counselling service where trained volunteers talk to 1200 people every day.

What is Stress?

Stress is our body's way of coping with whatever life may throw at us whether it is challenges at work or issues at home. It is often the reason we survive through dangerous situations. Stress helps us meet those challenges with increased strength, determination and focus.

While stress can be a great catalyst to push yourself harder, it can become a serious problem if you are overly stressed. Stress can affect your mind and body as well as your relationships, your quality of life and your productivity. Your day-to-day life can be extremely disrupted if you continue to over-stress and this is when stress becomes unhealthy. There are a multitude of consequences that can result from over-stressing which can affect you psychologically, emotionally and physically.

The best way to manage stress is to

• Participate in something fun like Stress Down Day!
• Surround yourself with friends and family
• Avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine
• Set realistic goals
• Think positively
• Take a deep breath and re-focus
• Talk it out to a loved one, professional or PPC Worldwide

Stress is like most things in life - healthy in moderation. Without stress, we would not be able to achieve our very best at everything we do. The key is putting things into perspective and understanding how to manage your stress in order for it to benefit you in the long run.

For more information visit about stress, visit:
www.reachout.com.au
http://www.abc.net.au/health/features/stories/2008/04/01/2203997.htm

To get involved with Stress Down Day, visit: www.stressdown.org.au