This January 2026, HSE Health and Wellbeing is launching a focused six-week activation to promote Balancing Stress. Balancing Stress is an evidence-based online resource developed by HSE psychologists and Health and Wellbeing. It consists of six 35-minute self-guided video sessions that people can watch in their own time, on their phone, tablet or computer. The course combines practical breathing and relaxation exercises with tools drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology, helping people to notice what matters most to them and take small, realistic steps towards wellbeing.
This six week campaign invites staff, communities and partners to signpost people to Balancing Stress as an easy first step for anyone feeling overwhelmed, worried or low. Each session has a different topic including understanding stress, managing worry, coping with anxiety, managing low mood and depression, looking after relationships under stress, and building resilience for the future.
The course combines practical breathing and relaxation exercises with tools drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology, helping people to notice what matters most to them and take small, realistic steps towards wellbeing.
The six-week activation will run from early January to early February, with each week highlighting one of the topics covered in the programme. Local services and partners are encouraged to use the campaign materials including social media posts, posters, leaflets and podcasts to share key messages through staff channels, community networks and local media. Teams can also build Balancing Stress into Making Every Contact Count conversations, offering it as a practical resource that people can explore at their own pace.
Everyone can get involved by watching a session themselves, sharing the link with a colleague, friend or family member, or including Balancing Stress in newsletters, noticeboards and social media updates.
The programme is free and available to everyone at hse.ie/balancingstress, resources can be found on www.healthpromotion.ie, please share campaign posts using #HSEBlancingStress.