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Working in health and social care is a deeply rewarding yet demanding journey. As care workers, learners, or employers, you pour your heart into supporting others, but the emotional weight, fast-paced schedules, and constant responsibility can lead to stress that quietly builds. In our webinar, Kelly Dace, our knowledgeable learning and skills tutor, shared practical insights on managing stress and nurturing wellbeing. Be sure not to miss our next webinar. Secure your spot!
How Does Stress Affect The Quality Of Care?
Care work isn’t just a job – it’s a commitment to improving lives. But that commitment can come at a cost. Kelly highlighted that stress is a state of mental or emotional strain triggered by challenging circumstances. Research from Mind shows that 33% of adults experience high stress levels at any given time, and care workers are particularly vulnerable due to the emotional and physical demands of their roles. A 2020 study found that 45% of healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients reported stress, with 25.8% experiencing anxiety and 24.3% facing depression. These figures hit home for care workers juggling intense workloads and deep emotional connections.
Prioritising Wellbeing in Care - More Than Just A Buzzword
Kelly described wellbeing as more than just feeling alright—it’s a blend of physical and mental health, strong relationships, financial stability, and a sense of purpose. In care, where you often put others first, neglecting your own wellbeing can dim your ability to deliver compassionate care. Think of it like oxygen on a plane: you need to secure your mask before helping others.
Key terms from the webinar resonate deeply. Self-care—like taking a moment for a walk or a healthy meal—isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Resilience, your ability to bounce back from tough days, is like a muscle you can strengthen with practice. These concepts are vital for care workers and learners balancing demanding shifts or studies, and for employers creating environments where staff feel valued.
Recognising the Signs of Stress
- Emotional Signs: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or like life’s lost its joy. You might snap at a colleague over a small issue or feel a constant knot of worry.
- Physical Signs: Headaches, tense shoulders, or digestive issues. Participants mentioned skin flare-ups and weight changes—stress can manifest physically in surprising ways.
- Behavioural Signs: Withdrawing from social plans, overeating, or smoking more. At work, you might notice reduced engagement or more sick days.
A 2023 study by the Health Foundation revealed that up to 71% of healthcare workers experience high stress and burnout, impacting their ability to provide quality care. Recognising these signs in yourself or your team is the first step to addressing them. For employers, spotting these in staff can prevent burnout and improve care quality.
Common Stress Triggers In Care - and How to Handle Them
Stress triggers are personal but often shared in care settings. Kelly pointed to workload—think endless tasks or tight deadlines as a major culprit. A lack of control over your work, unclear roles, or strained workplace relationships can amplify stress. Ever felt micromanaged or unsure of your responsibilities? That’s stress in the making.
Beyond work, financial pressures can loom large, especially if you’re managing tight budgets or unstable housing. Social connections are another factor—supportive colleagues or family can lift you up, but isolation can drag you down. One participant noted, “Self-care is vital for our wellbeing,” and they’re spot-on. A 2022 NHS England report found that 23–46% of health and care workers reported anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 41–52% experiencing burnout. These statistics underscore the need for proactive stress management.
Practical Strategies to Manage Stress
There are actionable strategies that don’t require a complete life overhaul—just small, meaningful steps to boost mental health. Here’s what stood out:
- Talk It Out: Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or manager. In care settings, one-to-one supervisions are a safe space to discuss work-related stress. Managers can offer solutions like adjusted schedules or additional training.
- Prioritise Self-Care: Carve out time for what brings you joy—reading, music, or a quiet coffee break. A participant shared how a lie-in brightened their day—proof that small moments matter.
- Get Moving: Exercise doesn’t mean a gym session. A short walk or stretch can release tension and boost endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters.
- Try Deep Breathing: When stress spikes, slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system. It’s a tool you can use anywhere, even during a hectic shift.
- Break Tasks Down: Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Split them into smaller steps, celebrate each win, and they’ll feel more achievable.
- Plan Ahead: A quick to-do list or prepping for your day reduces last-minute chaos. Feeling in control cuts stress fast.
For learners working towards qualifications like the Level 5 Diploma, these strategies can ease the pressure of balancing study and work. Employers can support this by fostering a culture where asking for help is welcomed.
Creating a Stress-Free Work Environment
Kelly spoke directly to care employers, highlighting six areas of work design that influence stress: demands, control, support, relationships, role clarity, and change. Unrealistic workloads or micromanagement can fuel stress, but providing CPD courses, clear expectations, and a supportive team can make a world of difference. Clear communication during changes—like new policies—reduces uncertainty and keeps stress in check.
Employers, investing in regular check-ins, realistic workloads, and team support shows staff you value their wellbeing. This not only reduces stress but also boosts retention and care quality.
Reaching Out Matters - Knowing When to Seek Help
Stress isn’t something to “just deal with.” Ignoring it can lead to serious issues like anxiety, depression, or physical health problems. Kelly urged acting early—talk to a manager, reach out to a GP, or explore resources like Mind’s stress management guide. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was a standout suggestion, helping you reframe negative thoughts and build healthier coping habits. Even self-help CBT apps can make a difference and joining more webinars on stress and self help.
A powerful takeaway? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a care worker feeling the pressure, a learner juggling studies, or an employer noticing team struggles, support is out there.
A Positive Mindset for Long-Term Wellbeing
Always focus on the positive. Try listing three things you’re grateful for each day, like a sunny morning or a kind word from a colleague. It sounds simple, but it rewires your brain to see the good, even on tough days.
For care workers and learners, this mindset, paired with practical tools like exercise and planning, builds long-term resilience. Employers can foster this by creating a workplace where team support shines, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
Stress is part of life, but it doesn’t have to define it. Whether you’re a care worker, learner, or employer, Access Skills is here to support you with training, resources, and a community that understands.
Take one small step today—maybe a walk, a chat with a colleague, or exploring a qualification courses to boost your skills and confidence. Stress may be part of care, but with the right tools, you can manage it and keep doing what you love.
