Many people are overwhelmed with pressures from management, colleagues, customers and their own anxieties about Covid-19 in what may feel like a ‘circle of stress’.

We’ve all experienced the ramifications of the coronavirus, which have included drastic changes to working life and restricted freedom of movement. However, the last year has also seen a surge in mental ill-health that has had its own effects on people and society. Compared to last year, rates of depression have doubled,(1) anxiety has significantly increased,(2) and now 69% of people report that the coronavirus has been the most stressful period of their entire career.(3)

We may all be trying to support those around us, whether they’re our customers, friends, family or colleagues, while also coping with the impact of coronavirus on our own lives. Here are some top tips to break the ‘circle of stress’.

1) Practice detachment from work

If you’ve had a bad day at work, you might carry that low mood into your own time even once work has finished. However, instead of ruminating, psychologists recommend practising detachment,(4) which creates a mental break between your work and leisure time so work stress can effectively be switched off. This can be done via ‘transition rituals’ of your own choosing, like taking a bath, walking the dog (if you have one), meditating or listening to music or a certain podcast (though news podcasts are not recommended for this).

2) Free online resources

There are many free online resources available if you feel like you’re struggling and need external help. One of the most popular is Mind’s online community which provides a virtual meeting space for anyone who wants a chat, and it’s open 24/7. Anxiety UK provides support in various forms to suit you, including text, live chat and the telephone.

3) Taking care of your physical health

Getting outdoors for a walk can be a great way to reduce your stress levels. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood.(5) Being outside can help you boost your Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body needs for many vital processes, including building and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” because the sun is one of the best sources of this nutrient.

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FOR LIFESTYLES WORTH PROTECTING – Insurance for families, individual and schools

As an industry leader, Towergate delivers personalised insurance solutions to people and organisations, and we’re consistently recognised for the quality of what we offer and the service we provide.

We can help with all your insurance needs from private medical insurance, income protection and critical illness to motor and property insurance as well as protection for schools including school fees and cyber. The important things are intangible, and the right cover can give peace of mind – giving you one less thing to worry about.

We are collaborating with School Notices and will donate £25 to the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) for every policy purchased.* MiSP have made children’s mental health a priority, pledging to reach a million children by 2024, to empower them to deal with challenging circumstances and help them to flourish. *subject to minimum spend of £500.

Find out more by visiting www.towergatepartners.co.uk/towergate

Call us on 0330 123 3593 or Email schoolnotices@towergate.co.uk

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Towergate is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England with company number 4043759. Registered Address: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7PD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Life Insurance arrangement is provided by Towergate Health & Protection. Towergate Health & Protection is a trading name of Health and Protection Solutions Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered in England and Wales number 4907859. Registered office: West Park House, 23 Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2BB.

Sources 1. www.ons.gov.uk 2. www.kcl.ac.uk 3. www.businesswire.com 4. umbrella.org.nz 5. www.mentalhealth.org.uk