International Stress Awareness Week 2025
3 – 7 November 2025 | Theme: “Optimising Employee Well-being through Strategic Stress Management”
Understanding and Managing Stress for a Healthier Life
International Stress Awareness Week (ISAW) is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of stress on our mental and physical health. Organised annually by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA UK), the campaign aims to open conversations about stress, promote wellbeing, and encourage individuals and organisations to take action to reduce its effects.
This year, ISAW runs from 3 to 7 November 2025, with International Stress Awareness Day taking place on Wednesday, 5 November.
Why It Matters
Stress is a natural part of life — a response that can motivate us to meet challenges and achieve goals. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it can seriously affect our health, relationships, and work performance. Chronic stress has been linked to:
- Anxiety and depression
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Reduced focus and productivity
Raising awareness helps people recognise the early signs of stress, seek support, and take proactive steps to improve their wellbeing.
This Year’s Theme
The 2025 theme, “Optimising Employee Well-being through Strategic Stress Management,” highlights the crucial role of workplaces in supporting mental health. A positive organisational culture can help employees thrive, reduce burnout, and enhance productivity.
Employers are encouraged to:
- Promote open discussions about stress and mental health
- Provide training for managers to recognise signs of stress
- Encourage regular breaks and healthy work–life balance
- Offer access to wellbeing resources and support services
How You Can Get Involved
For individuals:
- Take time to reflect on what causes you stress and how you can manage it.
- Try relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises.
- Stay active — even short walks can help reduce stress levels.
- Talk to someone you trust; sharing your feelings makes a big difference.
- Share your experiences or coping tips online using #StressAwarenessWeek.
For organisations:
- Host a wellbeing event, talk, or team mindfulness session.
- Encourage staff to take breaks and disconnect outside of work hours.
- Review workload and communication practices to identify stress triggers.
- Provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes or counselling services.
Small Steps, Big Impact
International Stress Awareness Week reminds us that managing stress isn’t just about self-care — it’s about creating supportive environments at home, at work, and in our communities. By understanding stress and taking small, consistent actions, we can all contribute to a healthier, happier, and more resilient world.
Let’s make stress awareness a priority — not just for one week, but every day.
https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week