The first Wednesday in November each year is National Stress Awareness Day.

Which is just as well for the ‘in-schoolers’ who are now facing the mocks. I have had a few conversations this week with some of you who are starting to feel the pressure.

Time to remind ourselves of some home truths - We all know (teachers, parents and learners) what it’s like to feel stressed - being under pressure is a normal part of life from time to time. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse.

National Stress Awareness Day is a great opportunity to take a moment to think about our wellbeing and find advice (and then taking / doing it) or support on managing stress.

We’ve got some suggestions for how you can join the conversation about stress.

Create a Stress Awareness Space in your home

For us to maintain our wellbeing, noticing what’s making us stressed helps us learn how we can deal with it. This is particularly important in the learning space before exams where stresses of workload and working relationships are common.

We’re asking everyone to start the conversation about stress at home. By creating a Stress Awareness Space, learners can share their thoughts and feelings when they are feeling stressed

It can make a huge difference sharing how you’re feeling with friends and other family members. By sharing you could get some great advice and tips or find you can support other colleagues who need help.

Above all remember – you can’t control what others do or say by you can control how you are going to respond. Let that response be positive. If you are finding it hard to talk to your family at the moment talk to a trusted teacher. You are as always welcome to confide in me.