Stress Awareness Month: Tips from Our Team 💙

Shining a Light on Mental Wellbeing:

Stress Awareness Month 2025

April is Stress Awareness Month, and here at Advanté, we’re taking this opportunity to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing – not just in the workplace, but in everyday life. To mark the occasion, we’ve invited members of our team to share how they manage stress, in their own words. Because sometimes the best tips come not from books or experts, but from the people beside us.

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 and plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the impact of stress on our mental and physical health. It’s also a time to reflect on how we can better understand, manage, and reduce stress – especially in fast-paced or high-pressure environments like construction and site-based work, where challenges can stack up quickly.

Whether it’s tight deadlines, long hours, or simply juggling work and home life, stress affects us all in different ways. But one thing we all have in common is the need for balance, support, and practical ways to cope. Even small actions like taking a walk, having a conversation, or stepping away for a breather can make a real difference.

We asked our team ‘What helps you reduce stress?’

Here’s what they shared:

Billy Thomas – Key Account Executive

“I’ve found that managing stress is crucial for my mental health. I take a walk every single day, just to clear my head, this helps me reset and get back on track. My friends and I know we have each other’s back and regularly check in to see how we’re getting on, sometimes a chat down the pub with your closest friends can make a huge difference and give you that push to keep going.”

Susan Millership – Financial Planner and Analyst

“I start my mornings with a 10-minute yoga session, which helps me set a positive tone for the day and in the evenings, I unwind by reading a good book to help me switch off.

On particularly stressful days, I find that talking things through with someone I trust is incredibly helpful – it’s a great way to share the load and gain perspective.”

Jay Copnall – Senior Sales Executive 

“I really enjoy my afternoon walks, usually on my own. It’s a chance to step away from the work environment and recharge for the rest of the day. 

Walking alone isn’t about avoiding people – it’s about giving my mind space to wander. Without conversation or distractions, I naturally reflect on the day or whatever’s on my mind.  

It’s a simple habit that helps clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and improve focus. I find it benefits both my mental clarity and physical wellbeing.”

Ellice Perry-Daniels – Marketing Officer 

“When I’m feeling stressed, my evening run club helps me reset – there’s nothing like fresh air and movement to clear the mind. I also love reading, and a few chapters outside (preferably when the sun’s out) on my lunch break can make a big difference. 

My tip? Get outside, take a walk, and do something you love – reading, music, seeing friends, whatever makes you happy. It won’t fix everything, but it might just turn a mountain of stress into a molehill 🥰” 

Faytay Oshotse – Senior Sales Executive 

“For me, reducing stress is all about taking small, consistent steps. A quick walk outside, even for 15 minutes, helps reset my mind. I also try to keep my workspace tidy, it sounds simple but it really helps me feel more in control. And when things feel a bit too much, I make a list and tackle one thing at a time. That sense of progress makes a huge difference.” 

Greg Ward – Finance Manager 

“One of my favourite things to reduce stress is to go for a long walk with my dog Ruby, to be in amongst nature whilst listening to music can help me reset. I would always recommend communicating if you feel something is getting on top of you also. I know this might not be the easiest thing to do, but there will be people around you who would hate to think you were struggling alone.” 

We hope these real-life tips from our team spark ideas, conversations, and a bit of inspiration. Whether it’s heading out for a walk, sharing a brew with a friend, or simply recognising when it’s time to take a break – looking after your mental wellbeing matters. 

Let’s continue to check in with ourselves and each other – not just this month, but all year round. 

For more tips and resources, visit the Stress Management Society’s website
https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2025