Staff Insights

Coping Under Pressure: Stress Awareness Tips from Those Working in Care

As part of our April campaign for Stress Awareness Month, we asked our healthcare professionals to share the real strategies they use to cope under pressure. The result? Practical, honest, and powerful tips from people who know what it’s like to care for others in high-stress environments.

What is stress and why is it so common in the healthcare industry?

Stress is a natural physical and emotional reaction to challenging or demanding situations. In small doses, it can motivate us to perform. But when prolonged or overwhelming, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, fatigue, and poor decision-making.

For healthcare professionals, the causes of stress are varied – understaffing, emotional intensity, high workloads, and the responsibility of patient care can all contribute. When left unchecked, stress can affect both wellbeing and the quality of care provided.

That’s why knowing how to manage pressure – and supporting one another in doing so – is vital for those working in care.

We asked members of our healthcare team to share what helps them most when stress starts to build. Here’s what they told us:

Starting the day with calm, rather than chaos, is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. Mike’s routine allows for gentle mental preparation and gives him valuable time for himself before the demands of the day begin.

Alex highlights a holistic approach to stress relief – balancing physical care with rest and recreation. His routine covers all areas of wellbeing: nutrition, movement, sleep, and mental stimulation, all of which are crucial for resilience in high-pressure roles.

Kavitha’s techniques show the value of small, consistent habits throughout the day. From mindful breathing to gentle post-work rituals, her advice is a reminder that stress management doesn’t always require large blocks of time – just intentional and restorative moments.

With decades of experience, Steve shares the importance of reflection and connection. His focus on meditation and staying open in conversation underlines the emotional aspect of stress – something that can’t be overlooked in healthcare.

Understanding the bigger picture: Facts about stress

Long-term stress can lead to physical issues like high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and sleep disruption, as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Supportive workplace cultures, early intervention, and education on stress management are shown to improve wellbeing and staff retention in the care sector.

Want to hear more?

There are also various organisations that can offer mental health support, such as:

YoungMinds

0808 802 5544

(Parents helpline, Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:00pm)

Mind

0300 123 3393

Samaritans

116 123

(freephone)

Anxiety UK

03444 775 774 (phoneline) or 07537 416 905 (textline)