International Stress Awareness Day: Everything You Need to Know about Stress Management

November 6^th is the day on the calendar that invites everyone to celebrate International Stress Awareness Day, reflect on stress management and overcome the stigma of mental health issues. The practice and lessons adopted on this day are extended throughout the year to create a supportive workplace amidst soaring depression cases. The WHO notes that around 280 million people globally suffer from depression, while over 700,000 people succumb to suicide every year.

What is stress? It is a physical or emotional tension due to pressure and difficult situations. While a small amount of stress can augur well, too much of it may be detrimental. For instance, acute stress comes and goes quickly; however, chronic stress lasts longer and it can lead to health problems. Some factors that can cause stress are:

• Depression;

• Low self-esteem;

• Grief;

• Anger;

• Chronic illness;

• Rape;

• Violence;

• Financial problems;

• Unhappy marriage or relationship;

• Trouble at work.

Stress management techniques, including workplace space management, and a foray into mental health apps and spiritual apps have been a silver lining amidst the cacophony of stressors.

Navigating Workplace Stress Management

Job stress hangs like a sword of Damocles and has been linked with heart attack, hypertension and suicide. According to Brachers, 59% of UK adults grapple with stress at work. Indeed claims 52% of employees feel burnout, while the American Institute of Stress notes that 83% of U.S. workers suffer from daily work-related stress. In September 2024, an EY employee in Pune, India-Anna Sebastian- allegedly succumbed to work pressure; her family claimed she died of cardiac arrest. These alarming figures call for investments in the workplace stress management market in the midst of the pressure of achieving deadlines and targets.

Over the years, psychologists have vouched for yoga and meditation to reduce occupational stress with mental benefits. Employers can conduct yoga sessions, interviews, surveys, employee wellness programs and a culture of frequent rewards and recognition. Organizations can foster open communication and counseling services, implement flexible work options and set realistic expectations to manage deadlines and workloads. These trends have also provided a fillip to the spiritual wellness apps market, which is witnessing trends for yoga and meditation apps. These applications provide mindfulness, meditation and self-reflection.

Mental Health Apps are Here to Stay

Mental health has gone mobile-applications are easy to access and offer an enjoyable experience. Apps have become sought-after to manage depression and anxiety, as they are not chained to the shackles of remote regions and the stigma of seeking mental healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic did no less than add fuel to the fire, aggravating mental health concerns. As such, mobile applications are like a boon for:

• Accessing therapy and counseling from medical professionals;

• Involving in online communities and forums to give advice, share experiences and provide support;

• Offering meditation sessions and mindfulness exercises;

• Making mental health resources accessible.

The mental health apps market has emerged to be a growing industry with a big impact. Predominantly, health monitoring apps have gained ground to log activities and emotional states and detect patterns of increased stress and anxiety. These apps can also provide access to crisis helplines for users who appear to be in emotional or immediate distress.

CBD Nutraceuticals on the Horizon

The trend for cannabidiol (CBD) products to relieve stress and anxiety has put the spotlight on CBD nutraceuticals. As consumers gravitate towards supplements for health benefits, CBD has received an impetus for boosting stress management. Of late, orally consumed products, such as capsules and softgels, have underscored the growth of the CBD nutraceuticals market. Several studies have claimed that CBD softgels can help people with anxiety and insomnia. In April 2024, Harvard Health Publishing cited reports suggesting that clinical trials and studies are exploring the common report that CBD can lessen anxiety.

In a similar vein, CBD oil & CBD consumer health products have become sought-after to treat stress and anxiety. A study published on the official website of the U.S. government, the National Library of Medicine, claimed that participants who believed that CBD could alleviate their stress reported a considerable reduction in anxiety in the CBD expectancy conditions. Besides, soaring consumer awareness and legalization of cannabidiol oil foster the CBD oil & CBD consumer health market. In essence, all 50 states in the U.S. have laws legalizing CBD with different degrees of restrictions.

Lately, CBD pouches have received an uptick for stress relief and relaxation and pain management. Some attributes such as fast absorption, range of flavors (mint, fruit, lemon and cucumber) and convenience make the CBD pouches market a valuable proposition in the global landscape. With consumers in a quest for natural solutions, cannabidiol products will continue to rise in prominence.

Dynamics of Hemp Seed Oil

Amidst increasing pressure on physical and mental health, hemp seed oil products can be pivotal for anxiety remedies. The cold-pressed oil contains antioxidants and omega 3s and 6s that can boost heart health, an attribute that complements the hemp seed oil market, which is witnessing growing product use for stress-related issues.

Considering the benefits of CBD, cannabis cultivation has gained prominence against the backdrop of legalization and product adoption. For instance, in September 2024, The Himachal Pradesh Assembly in India was reported to have passed a resolution to legalize cannabis cultivation. Besides, an uptick in anxiety disorder has prompted stakeholders to focus on the cannabis cultivation market.  

Bidding Adieu to Stress-the Roadmap

As the world comes on the same page in November to combat stress and anxiety, it is pertinent to mention that chronic stress can lead to heart disease, hypertension and loneliness. To reiterate, mental health apps, yoga and meditation and CBD products can negate stress and help you embrace peace. Take small steps each day toward stress reduction and self-care to enhance your mental health-prioritize sleep, spend time in nature, breathe deep, connect with your loved ones and practice mindfulness.