It’s International Stress Awareness Week.

We’re all experiencing more stress of late. This event aims to shine a light on stress and mental health problems, as well as raise awareness and promote support services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty and challenges to our lives that we’ve never faced before. As a result, many of us will have experienced heightened levels of stress.

Every positive life change such as the birth of a child, buying a new house or a promotion can produce stress.

Symptoms of stress include increased reliance on alcohol, smoking and caffeine, dizziness, panic attacks, and nausea.

Some ways you can reduce stress include:

• Get moving! Physical exercise can help relieve tension and relax your mind.

• Stay connected. We all enjoy and need the feeling of being connected with our loved ones. Even if it’s over Zoom, spending time with our loved ones provides an endorphin boost.

• Be kind. Showing gratitude for what we have and showing support for others enables us to take a break from our internal dialogue. It also helps us gain perspective.

• Self-care is everything. Schedule some time to relax. Read a book, take a walk in the countryside or partake in an online pub quiz with friends.

• Be mindful. Breathing techniques can help you stop worrying about the future and allow you to focus on the present. There are lots of excellent well-being apps designed to help you stop the white noise and simply enjoy being present.

And while the purpose of this newsletter is to reduce your stress levels. We will never give up when it comes to fighting period poverty.

The number of women and girls facing period poverty has risen sharply during the coronavirus lockdown.

One charity said the number of packs it gave out has risen about five-fold. National charity Bloody Good Period said it usually distributed 5.000 packs a month but had handed out more than 23,000 in the three months since lockdown began in England on 23 March.

Socks and kitchen paper are some of the items being used by women in Wales as sanitary products, the National Union of Students (NUS) has said.

A YouGov poll on behalf of the NUS found that 83% of 16-24-year-olds surveyed said period products are too expensive.

Getting your period isn’t a choice.

At Secret Whispers, we are proud to support the Zinthiya Trust in Leicester, which strives to eradicate both period poverty and domestic abuse.

For every Secret Whispers CupIT Menstrual Kit that we sell, we donate a CupIT to Zinthiya Trust. One CupIT lasts for ten years - so, no socks, rags, and loo roll. The risk of infection is also a major concern.

The difference we can make to a young woman is tangible. It is shameful that in 2020 that almost half of all adolescent girls miss school days due to their periods.

If you have been thinking of making the swap, now is the time. The CupIT is safe (no toxins or chemicals) and only needs changing twice a day, so if you are a shift worker, a teacher, or perhaps serve in the forces, the Secret Whispers CupIT is a lifesaver.

Still unconvinced? Check out our videos.

Love, Julie.