Stress Awareness Month is held every spring, in the month of April, and its observance has been in existence since 1992.
We all know that stress wreaks havoc on our physical health, emotional equilibrium, and mental health. While it may seem like there isn’t much you can do, there are some ways to regain control and relieve some of the pressure.
First it helps to identify the sources of stress in your life. It’s easier to identify major stressors, but we all too often overlook the way our thoughts, habits, and attitude contributes to stress. We have to accept responsibility for the role we play in maintaining stress before we can make change.
To identify stressors, try keeping a stress journal. Writing down what triggered your stress and how you responded to it helps to track patterns and common themes . Once you identify what is causing stress, then you can begin to manage it and make changes.
BODY EMOTIONS
• Nourish properly
• Exercise regularly
• Prioritise sleep & rest
• Learn coping skills & relaxation techniques
• Self-massage
EMOTIONS
• Seek support & ask for help
• Find a way to release
• Practice self-care
• Accept what is out of your control
• Practice gratitude & look for the good
MIND
• Journal or talk it out with a friend
• Reassess boundaries & set limits
• Reassess priorities, delegate, & create a balanced schedule
• Make a plan & manage your time
SPIRIT
• Make time for hobbies
• Connect to others and do something fun
• Meditate or pray
• Remember your purpose
• Listen to music
What are you doing to acknowledge and relieve your stress?
