Feeling stressed at work?
Stress can affect anyone, and it’s often linked to things like workload, support or communication.
This Stress Awareness Month, talk to someone or ask for support if work is affecting you.
See below for simple steps you can take
Almost a third (32%) of bosses report stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems as a reason staff give for sickness absence.
A YouGov survey, commissioned by workplace expert Acas, asked employers what the top three reasons employees give for being off sick from work.
Almost two-thirds (62%) said that workers report their absences as being due to minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds and the flu, while nearly a quarter (23%) said that the absences are due to headaches and migraines.
The poll was commissioned ahead of new changes to statutory sick pay that will take effect in a few weeks’ time due to new rules introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
From 6 April, workers will be eligible for statutory sick pay for their first day of illness rather than the fourth day and workers will no longer need to earn a minimum amount to be eligible
Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said: “Our findings reveal that 1 in 3 bosses report mental health problems as a key reason for staff absence. It’s a surprising result alongside the top reason for sickness being coughs, colds, flu and other minor illnesses.
“Bosses need to ensure that their work environments are healthy places to work as well as prepare for the new rules on sick pay that will coming in a few weeks’ time.
“Workers should also look after their own health and wellbeing too. If they are experiencing stress, they should talk to their manager as soon as they can. Acas has good practice advice and training in this area.”
Acas has good practice advice to help bosses manage sickness absence at work:
Providing training for managers on how to support employees through periods of illness can help with absence rates.
Employers that offer flexible working can also help promote a healthy work environment and prevent high levels of sickness absence.
Good mediation services at work can help resolve any issues that is sparking sickness absence among staff.
Easily accessible illness and absence policies will make it clear what’s expected of both employers and workers if someone needs time off work.
Acas has updated its advice on sick pay to reflect the new changes in the law from the Employment Right Act 2025 that will apply from 6 April and how they compare to the current rules: Statutory sick pay – Sick pay – Acas.
Acas also has training courses for employers on managing absence.
Despite being called the “most wonderful time of the year”, for so many of us, the festive season doesn’t always bring joy.
In our latest blog, Aaron explores his own difficulties with Christmas as well as the challenges many of us face during the festive season and the steps we can take to help protect our mental health during this time. 
You can read it now: https://shorturl.at/J4cHt
Problem debt affects many people, and the impact on mental health can’t be ignored. Debt problems can cause anxiety, stress, and sleep problems – and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.
As well as seeking mental health support, it’s important to get help with debt.
Free, impartial advice is available – and it’s never too late to get help.
Read more about debt and mental health on our website:
Summer holidays are in full swing, and as people unwind and enjoy the break, unhealthy eating habits often creep in, with studies showing that over a third admit to ditching their healthy meals when the sun comes out.
While occasional indulgence is completely normal, when does it become a serious health concern?
With 90% of people experiencing food cravings at some point, ZAVA, with the expert advice of Doctor Crystal Wyllie, breaks down the most common causes of cravings beyond hunger, the smartest strategies to overcome them, and the red flags that could mean it’s time to seek support.
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Why is junk food so irresistible? Here’s the truth: junk food is designed to be addictive. High-sugar, high-fat, and full of flavour and texture, these foods light up the pleasure centre in our brain, triggering feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. It’s no wonder we reach for them when we are stressed or tired.
While occasional indulgence is perfectly normal, frequent junk food cravings can come with real health consequences. That overwhelming urge for chocolate, crisps, or a midnight snack often has little to do with true hunger. In fact, most cravings are your body, or your brain, trying to tell you something. But what exactly?
The most common causes of food cravings:
Emotions and stress
Cravings often start in the brain, not the stomach. Studies show nearly 1 in 3 people engage in emotional eating. Comfort foods, especially those high in sugar and refined carbs, offer a temporary serotonin lift, helping you feel better in the moment. But when stress hits, cortisol spikes, increasing appetite and impulsive eating.
Hormones and menstrual cycles
Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause can trigger intense cravings, especially for sweet or salty foods. In particular, the drop in estrogen and rise in progesterone during the luteal phase (the week before your period) are known to increase appetite.
Lifestyle factors
Lack of sleep, stress, skipping meals or falling into habitual eating patterns –such as always grabbing a treat with your tea– can all fuel cravings. Ultra-processed foods are literally engineered to keep you coming back for more.
Deficiencies and dehydration
Cravings can also be clues. Your body may be low on magnesium, zinc, sodium, or might just need water. Dehydration can mimic hunger signals. Skipping meals or blood sugar dips can also spark intense cravings, especially for carbs and sugar.
The 6 smartest strategies to manage food cravings:
ZAVA’s new Cravings Calculator helps uncover the reasons behind your eating habits. But regardless of what’s driving your cravings, Doctor Crystal Wyllie, ZAVA Online Doctor, shares the most effective ways to manage them and take back control:
Cravings can be physical, emotional or habitual, or a combination of all three. Identifying your triggers is the key to changing your behaviour.
“Noticing when and why cravings strike can help you respond more intentionally. Is it boredom? Hormones? A stressful day? Awareness is the first step to change. Once you’ve identified the underlying reason, be it emotional eating or a lack of self care, you can then tackle your cravings head on and make some long-term changes”
Going cold turkey often backfires. Instead, satisfy cravings with smarter swaps such as fruit, yoghurt, nuts, or protein-based snacks. Choose foods you actually enjoy so you don’t feel deprived.
“It’s better to satisfy a craving in a controlled way than ignore it and end up bingeing later”
Skipping meals or relying on snacks throughout the day can trigger cravings. Aim for meals rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats to help regulate blood sugar, keeping you full and focused.
“A well-balanced plate helps reduce cravings by keeping you full and energised throughout the day. Eating a colourful, nutrient-rich diet can also help correct underlying deficiencies that may be driving those cravings”
Stress and poor sleep affect appetite hormones. Mindfulness techniques, meditation or even a brisk walk or, simply talking to a friend, can help curb emotional eating.
“Taking a moment to pause and ask whether a craving is emotional or physical can benefit both your body and your mental health”
Your body can mistake thirst for hunger. Try drinking a glass of water, waiting 10-15 minutes and reassessing the craving.
“Hydration is often overlooked, but it’s essential, especially when it comes to managing sugar cravings”
If your cravings feel constant, overwhelming, or difficult to control, don’t hesitate to seek support. While only 1 in 4 people with binge eating disorders currently receive treatment, speaking to a GP, nutritionist, or therapist can make a meaningful difference. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to ask for help, here are some signs your cravings might be more than just the occasional urge:
Weight fluctuations: Frequent overeating in response to cravings can lead to weight gain and make weight loss more difficult.
Low mood: Indulging too often can lead to guilt or shame. In ZAVA’s recent study, 48% of people reported low self-esteem linked to their weight.
Health problems: Craving-driven diets high in sugar or refined carbs can weaken immunity, cause mood swings, and leave your body undernourished.
MANAGING WORK-RELATED STRESS
Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’.
Some people benefit from a certain amount of pressure as it can keep them motivated. However, when there is too much pressure it can lead to stress.
Stress is not an illness but it can affect a person’s physical and mental health.
If not properly managed, stress can cause:
Stress can increase the risk of physical illnesses. For example:
There are many factors that can cause stress at work. These include:
Life events can have an impact on work-related stress.
Things that cause stress outside of work might include:
Workers do not have to tell their employer about their personal problems. But if they decide to, they might be able to get some support. For example:
Workers should look after their own health and wellbeing at work. If they are experiencing stress, they should talk to their manager as soon as they can. Managers should also look out for any signs of stress among workers.
Signs of stress can include:
If an employer or worker spots signs of stress, it can be helpful to have an informal chat. This can help them understand how the person is feeling and what support they need. Getting help could prevent more serious problems.
Managers could encourage workers to do a ‘Wellness Action Plan’. This can help them to:
Use a Wellness Action Plan from Mind
Learn more on our website: https://acas.org.uk/managing-work-related-stress…
Got a teen who is prepping for exams?
It can be a challenging time! Especially if they are sitting them for the first time.
For tips on helping them cope with the challenges of exam time, check out the Parent Club website, here – http://parentclub.scot/articles/how-cope-exam-stress
Do you know the incredible ways that movement can help with stress?
Movement has physical and psychological effects on our bodies that relieve present pressure and helps prevent stress.
But, it’s often when we’re most stressed that motivation to find time for physical activity suffers. We may not think we have time, or we may feel too exhausted to plan any physical activity.
But, the stress-relieving effects of movement are so great, that even small moments of movement can have an effect. Going on a walk, doing housework or gardening all count. If you’re struggling to find the time and motivation look for these everyday tasks or find small moments in your day. A five-minute stretching session could boost your mood and improve your focus and motivation.
Why not set aside a few minutes today for an activity you enjoy? See if you can find time for it over the coming days and weeks if stress starts to set in.
For Debt Awareness Week, we’re highlighting how debt affects mental health – and the support that is available to help.
Throughout the cost-of-living-crisis many people have had to turn to lenders and may be struggling to keep up with their repayments. The mental health toll can be really challenging, with increased feelings of anxiety keeping you up at night or making it harder to enjoy your relationships. It can make existing mental health problems like depression worse and all together, feel overwhelming.
The mental health effects of debt can make navigating it an even more isolating and lonely experience. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that there is support available to you.
Want to know more? Join us for our Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ 26-28 March r/ukpersonalfinance. We’ll be joined by StepChange to answer all your questions on mental health and debt.
GRANTON INFORMATION CENTRE: FEEDBACK SURVEY
There is only one week remaining to compete our 24/25 client feedback survey. If you have used our service since April 2024, and haven’t already done so, please take a couple of minutes to complete our questionnaire:
https://surveymonkey.com/r/PMNGTBR
Thank you!
Therapy dogs in schools are working wonders across Scotland – not least at Fettes College.
The Edinburgh school recently introduced its first four-legged member of staff, who took up a new role at the beginning of the summer term to help improve student wellbeing and reduce anxiety levels.
Two-year-old Fidra is no stranger to Fettes College, having grown up with over 50 girls in the school’s College West Boarding House. She recently qualified as a therapy dog after being assessed by Therapet®, which is run by Canine Concern Scotland Trust.
Therapet® is a voluntary service that allows assessed and registered dogs and owners to provide pet therapy to places including hospitals, care homes, hospices, and schools. Studies have shown that therapy dogs help humans to release endorphins – the happy hormone – and so can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
As well as providing emotional support, therapy dogs also help schoolchildren build confidence with activities like reading and speaking in front of their classmates.
Mel Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Canine Concern Scotland: “Our Therapets® have been supporting people around Scotland for 36 years, so the benefits of human and animal interaction are not new and can be positively lifechanging.
“Central to the visits is the wellbeing of each Therapet® and we have strict policies in place to ensure that our Therapets® do not become over-tired or stressed, particularly in busy school environments.
“Fidra has a unique knowledge and love of the school, and we’re looking forward to hearing how her visits progress and the benefit that the school community receives from these visits.”
Sue Bruce, Head of Wellbeing at Fettes College, said: “Research has shown the endless benefits of therapy animals in educational settings. Dogs are excellent listeners, which is a huge help when it comes to building up confidence in young people.”
Fidra will support students in both Fettes’ Prep and Senior school. As well as helping teach students about caring for animals, Fidra will be available for walks in Fettes’ grounds, and will also be on hand in the medical centre and in the classroom to provide support.
Fettes College student, Isla H, said: “Fidra is an enthusiastic and loveable dog, so I’m never scared to go up and play with her.
“She always looks like she has a little smile on her face, and she is so welcoming.”
Sue continued: “With her calming presence and affectionate nature, we’re sure Fidra will serve as a valuable resource in promoting emotional wellness among students and staff, provided her favourite treat – sausages – are in abundance.”
