April brings the blooms of spring and a promise of renewal. It’s also National Stress Awareness Month, and we think it’s important to take a moment to reflect on what that means. It's never too late to broaden your awareness of stress and seek ways to address and manage it whenever possible.
Learning more about our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.
What does stress mean to you? We all experience stress, yet we may experience it in very different ways. Because of this there is no single definition of stress, but the most common explanation is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Stress is a reaction to a situation where a person feels anxious or threatened. Learning healthy ways to cope and getting the proper care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms.
Know the Signs of Stress:
- Physical: headaches, sickness, indigestion
- Mental: irritable, inflexible, short-tempered
- Emotional: anxious, fearful, angry, frustrated, sad
- Behavioral: sleep problems, substance abuse (food, alcohol, drugs)
What Can You Do For Stress Awareness Month?
- Talk about stress and its effects – let’s work together to reduce the stigma that is associated with stress by talking about the topic openly and freely with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Share your coping mechanisms – if something has worked for you, why not share it. It might benefit someone you care about and in the meantime, it might help you take your focus off your own challenges.
- Be nice to those who are stressed and anxious – we are all undoubtedly going to experience stress and anxiety in our lifetime so treat others going through it with compassion and empathy.
- Look after yourself – we all need to think more about self-care. Take time out of your day to relax or do something that you enjoy. Don’t forget to exercise and eat well, even when you feel overwhelmed.
Sometimes the stress in our lives is not something we have the power to change. Recognize when you don’t have control, and let it go. Avoid getting anxious about situations that you cannot change. Take control of your reactions and focus your mind on something that makes you feel calm and in control. The most crucial thing you can do when you are stressed or anxious is to make sure you are continuing to look after yourself. Make time to relax when you need to and learn to say no to requests that are too much for you.
This blog article was contributed by Richele Bobick, Human Resources Manager of Nexus Family Healing.
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for outpatient/community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For 50 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Learn more at nexusfamilyhealing.org.