Hiring Household Staff to Combat Stress
The past few years have been stressful for everybody all over the world, to say the least. From a global pandemic to the devastating threats of war, the 2020’s have held events nobody could’ve predicted.
The continued pressure of local and global events have lead to an increase in stress related illnesses and it doesn’t seem to be decreasing.
To increase awareness of causes, and treatments, of this modern epidemic Stress Awareness Month occurs every April, and has done since 1992. This year is no different and perhaps ever more important.
What is stress awareness month?
Stress is one of the largest public health challenges of our time, which can contribute to depression and anxiety. Millions of us around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress, which will inevitably damage both our physical and mental health. Studies show that exposure to stress is a risk factor for many health problems, such as anxiety & depression, and even cardiovascular issues.
Each of us need to understand what is causing these high stress levels, and work out the steps we can take to reduce stress for ourselves and those around us.
What does stress mean to you?
Everybody experiences stress, but we all experience it differently. Because of this, there is no single definition of stress. However, the most common explanation is a “mental or physical emotional strain or tension”.
This could be triggered by some of the following:
Financial strain
Work or education pressures and expectations
Self-confidence issues
Long term physical illness
Family tension
Identifying risk factors and taking action to reduce or manage those stressors brings you one step closer to that ideology of a stress free life.
What can you do?
This month, you should talk about stress and the impact it has on quality of life. Work together to reduce the stigma associated with stress by talking freely with friends, family, colleagues - let them know how common it is, and why they shouldn’t just brush it off as nothing!
Embrace empathy by being kind to those who are stressed or anxious. We are all undoubtedly going to experience stress or anxiety at some point, so treat others going through it with compassion.
Share your coping mechanisms! You might just make life easier for those you care about. If something works for you, sharing that with others is a great way to build trust and respect, while simultaneously creating a stress-free environment.
Look after yourself. Prioritise self-care, take time out of your day to exercise or even meditate. A short walk will undoubtedly improve your mindset.
Don’t try to do everything independently - you will end up more stressed than before. Accept help, offer help.
Your schedule might even open up to find more things in life to enjoy.
Learning to overcome unchangeable issues:
Stress sometimes comes from things in our lives we have no control over.
To prevent stressing about upcoming stress, it is advised that you:
Take control of your reactions and focus your mind on something that makes you feel calm
Develop a vision for healthy living, mental & physical health (our qualified Chefs will assist you on this journey)
Embrace new coping mechanisms - whether that be daily walks, daily talks, unloading some responsibilities. Whatever it is, it’s important to acknowledge that you are ONE person and will burnout if you continue to force yourself to be entirely independent.
Finally, recognise when you don’t have control, and let go.
How can a Nanny or Housekeeper reduce stress?
Hiring a nanny may be exactly what you need to do, to reduce stress at home. A nanny can help your children with homework or school assignments, which is one less task for a parent after a busy day!
The key responsibilities of a Nanny:
Taking care of children
Keeping your children safe and clean
Planning meals for your children
Organising creative and educational activities based on your child's age
As the Nanny will take care of general household duties, your home will be your sanctuary again.
Housekeepers are a dream for those with busy schedules. Coming home to a clean and tidy environment can make a huge difference to your overall outlook and provide you with that free time to practice stress management techniques such as meditation or maybe even take up a hobby that helps you destress such as exercise or painting.
How can Beauchamp Partners help you?
Beauchamp Partners would like to help combat your stress by offering a recruitment service to find excellent Nannies around the UK to help reduce at-home stress levels, allowing you to relax and enjoy family life. A nanny can step in to take care of your children when you need. Nannies can also help with those essential household tasks like laundry, dishes, and even cooking - which will take the load away from you, and leave you stress-free!
And we can help you to find a suitable, experienced Housekeeper who will take care of all the unwanted tasks you face at home. Hiring a housekeeper helps reduce the stress brought about by having a new addition to your family or returning from regular travel. With someone to take care of the housework you will have time to enjoy the finer things in life.
Beauchamp Partners can also find personal chefs, butlers, chauffeurs, couples and any other personal staff needed.
Beauchamp Partners has over 30 years of experience in private household recruitment, finding some of the most prestigious households in the UK chefs, butlers, chauffeurs, couples, housekeepers and nannies.