Mestre App: Reducing stress in life and in the modern workplace

Stress is almost impossible to escape in our modern lives, but the carefully developed Mestre App offers a powerful antidote to the harmful effects of stress. Providing expert advice and guidance to individuals as well as a dedicated workplace section, the app helps people regulate their stress levels, build resilience and improve their mental health.

Stress can take a toll on our physical, emotional and mental health. Over time, it can lead to a range of health issues and greatly impact quality of life. Identifying a need for an accessible and effective tool for managing stress, co-founders Hanne Suorza and Bjarte Stubhaug created Mestre. Combining the medical knowledge of doctor and psychiatrist Stubhaug, who specialises in the understanding and treatment of stress, with Suorza’s background in journalism and communications, the app guides users towards better mental health and wellbeing.

Mestre App co-founders Hanne Suorza and Bjarte Stubhaug have many years of experience in the field of stress and stress management.

Having worked in stress management for almost 30 years, Stubhaug has a wealth of knowledge to share, while Suorza has 10 years of experience delivering stress management courses to individuals and businesses. The app makes invaluable medical knowledge related to stress accessible, understandable, and easily applicable to users’ daily lives. With thoughtfully designed exercises and courses as well as informative articles and inspiring podcast episodes on a range of topics, Mestre is an interactive tool that helps users manage stress, achieve better sleep and improve wellbeing in every aspect of their lives.

“In our experience, topics such as stress management, sleep, concentration and balance between work and leisure resonate with both private individuals and companies,” Suorza explains. “In the workplace, it’s important to maintain a dialogue about the prevention of stress and burnout, mental health, and how to achieve a healthier work culture through effective tools. This is highly relevant in today’s society with a steadily increasing pace and an intense pressure to perform.”

An effective tool in combating workplace stress

Mestre Arbeid is Mestre’s dedicated workplace section focused on coping with work-related stress and helping companies create a working environment that prioritises mental health. The app gives employees access to stress management tools that can improve their well-being at work and in their personal lives.

With the aim of preventing and reducing stress and burnout, Mestre Arbeid helps companies support their employees in dealing with stress and improving their mental health through practical tools such as courses and exercises related to fostering effective communication, teamwork, time management and more. “Using Mestre Arbeid is an investment in increased productivity, employee well-being and reduced sickness absence,” Suorza says.

Integrating Mestre Arbeid into a company’s HSE strategy can be a valuable tool for promoting mental health among employees, both individually and as a group. Well-documented feedback from users shows that the app can provide concrete benefits such as better sleep, reduced stress and increased well-being in individuals. In the workplace, the app contributes to better communication, stronger cohesion and increased productivity.

Now more than ever, employees value a supportive working environment where a good work-life balance is prioritised. Companies that make use of resources such as Mestre demonstrate that they are forward-thinking, innovative and focused on building a sustainable corporate culture, making them attractive as workplaces. “Many companies want to be proactive in ensuring their employees’ wellbeing and mental health, which is a positive development,” Suorza says. “Mental health is an important factor for well-being and productivity, and it’s wonderful that more managers and HR departments are becoming aware of and prioritising this.”

Accessibility for all

Ease of use and accessibility was key in the development of the app and its content. The co-founders are aware of the myriad challenges facing people in modern society, with many feeling too overstimulated to make time for themselves. The basic version of the app with a limited number of exercises and Mestre’s podcast episodes is free to use. “Knowledge about stress management should be available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. The free app gives people the opportunity to try some exercises and get a feel for how Mestre can help them,” Suorza explains. “For companies and people who want access to more resources, we have priced the app low to ensure availability and transparency.”

Mestre provides access to short, impactful exercises that are flexible and can be easily integrated into a busy schedule. Ten minutes of downtime during a busy day can be utilised well by carving out a moment of relaxation, mindfulness and grounding during the daily commute, on lunch breaks or between meetings. Taking advantage of small moments to check in with yourself during the day can make a big difference in the long run.

Since its launch several years ago, Mestre has received a fantastic response from its users. To date, app downloads range in the tens of thousands. “We’re so happy to receive fantastic feedback from our users,” concludes Suorza. “People say that the app helps them find peace and cope better in their daily lives. We feel that we’re meeting a need, and it’s inspiring to know that we can make a difference.”

www.stressmestre.no
Facebook: Mestre app
Instagram: @mestre_app

www.hannesuorza.no
www.stubhaug.no