April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of stress on our mental and physical well-being. I figured it was a good time to write this, as I was stressed out all day yesterday and woke up at 3AM this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. So, I am very aware of my stress regardless of the month.

Managing stress is a big part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as it can significantly affect both mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the signs of stress, building resilience, and knowing where to seek help are essential aspects of coping with stress.

Curious about how stressed out you might be? You can take a stress screener at Mental Health America: Stress Screening

Ways to Reduce Stress

I was notified that it was Stress Awareness Month through a newsletter for the Chill Pill, which is a small handheld device used to alleviate stress and anxiety. Click here to read my review of the Chill Pill, which I tested out a few years ago.

The Chill Pill is just one of the ways you can reduce stress. Read below for more suggestions on lowering your stress level:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, help calm the mind and promote relaxation. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine for a few minutes to alleviate stress and feelings of overwhelm.
2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers. Engage in regular exercise, whether it’s brisk walking, yoga, or dancing, to reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
3. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Learn to say no to excessive commitments and prioritize self-care. Setting boundaries helps prevent overwhelm and reduces stress from overextending yourself.
4. Prioritize Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoid screens before bedtime to promote better sleep hygiene.
5. Connect with Others: Social support is vital for coping with stress. Maintain connections with friends and family, join support groups, or seek professional counseling if needed to talk through stressors and gain perspective.
6. Practice Time Management: Break tasks into manageable steps, prioritize important tasks, and delegate when possible. Effective time management reduces stress by promoting a sense of control and accomplishment.
7. Engage in Relaxation Activities: Find activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading, listening to music, gardening, or engaging in hobbies. Taking time for enjoyable activities helps counteract stress and improves mood.
8. Seek Professional Help: If stress becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide strategies and support tailored to your needs.

How is Stress Different from Anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences:

• Nature: Stress is a response to a specific situation or event, while anxiety is a reaction to the stress.
• Intensity and Duration: Stress is usually a short-term response, whereas anxiety can persist for a longer period and may not always have an identifiable cause.
• Symptoms: Stress symptoms include increased heart rate, muscle tension, and irritability. Anxiety symptoms often involve excessive worrying, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Stress is typically a reaction to an external factor, while anxiety is a more persistent feeling of unease and apprehension. Anxiety can come on for no reason at all, as can panic attacks.

I had my worst panic attack in the middle of a very nice day when I wasn’t even stressed about anything. I ended up in the hospital because I thought I was having a stroke or some other life-threatening issue. Of course, I ended up pretty stressed-out after all that.

What Stress Does to the Body

1. Physical Effects: Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and tense muscles. Prolonged stress can contribute to health issues like cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and weakened immune function.
2. Mental Health Impact: Chronic stress can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. It can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
3. Behavioral Changes: Stress often manifests in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, substance abuse, or withdrawing from social activities. These behaviors can further impact overall well-being.

Take Some Time for Yourself

National Stress Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of managing stress for our overall well-being. By understanding the effects of stress on the body and adopting healthy coping strategies, we can reduce stress levels and improve our quality of life. Prioritize self-care, practice mindfulness, and seek support when needed to navigate stress more effectively.