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Stress Awareness Month



Stress Awareness Month

 

Did you know that April is known as Stress Awareness Month? I know I am a little late getting this post out, but better late than never! Stress is unfortunately a part of life, but there are so many things you can do to de-stress and reset. Think of de-stressing as a form of “spring cleaning”. What can you do today to lighten the load of the stressful things that are weighing you down right now? These 10 tips are accessible and effective for anyone who needs to clear their minds and regain harmony.


Get outside 

One of the best things you can do for mental health on a daily basis is to get outside. If it is sunny, soak up all the vitamin D you can. If it is rainy, grab an umbrella and breathe in that fresh rain smell that so many of us love! Take enough time outside to awaken your 5 senses. What do you hear? What do you see? What do you smell? What do you feel? What do you taste? I can almost guarantee that you will go back inside feeling calmer and grounded again.

 

Exercise

Have you ever heard the phrase that goes something like, “the only workout you regret is the one you didn’t do”? When you exercise, your body releases hormones called endorphins, which are essentially the “feel-good hormones”, so it makes sense why exercising makes you feel so good when you’re done.

 

Exercising on a daily basis is not only good for your physical health, but it is amazing for your mental health. When you find yourself feeling stressed, take a little break and do whatever form of exercise you enjoy most. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes!

  

Unplug

This is something that I personally have to get better at doing. Often times scrolling through various apps causes me to feel more stressed than I was before I picked up my phone. If you are feeling stressed from work, school, news, or whatever it may be take a step back from your electronics, your email, or the TV for an hour (or longer). This will break will you allow you to reset your mind, and focus on something else.

 

Eat good (for you) food 

Do any of you turn to food when you are stressed? No shame whatsoever, we all do it from time to time! If I had to guess though, you are probably craving decadent comfort foods instead of nourishing “whole foods”. Next time you are feeling stressed, try reaching for dark leafy greens (which are loaded with stress fighting vitamins and minerals) such as spinach, swiss chard, kale, or romaine foods high in magnesium (which help relax the mind) such as bananas, avocados, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate or foods high in vitamin b (which supports energy levels and proper brain function) such as, salmon, eggs, legumes, or walnuts.

 

Spend more time with those who lift you up

Spending time with family or friends who fill your cup is one of the best ways to reduce your stress levels. For me personally, there is nothing in the world that makes me happier than spending time with my family. Whatever may be causing me stress at that moment in time, playing with my daughter, spending quality time with my husband, or FaceTiming my parents always leaves me feeling rejuvenated and a little “lighter” if you will.

 

Journal

 I personally love writing and find that is one of the best ways to release my emotions, especially in situations when I just don't want to or can't talk to someone about what I am feeling. The process of writing makes me feel like whatever is causing me stress is being released and no longer bottled up. Journaling doesn't have to be "fancy", even writing on a piece of scratch paper can be beneficial.

 

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness essentially means that you are fully tuning into how you are feeling and how you are reacting to what is going on around you. Being mindful during your day, especially when you are stressed can be as simple as putting down your phone when you are drinking your morning coffee, and really taking that time to be present with yourself and not let various distractions set the tone for the day.

 

Set aside time in your day to do something you love

In a 24 hour span, how much time do you take for yourself to do something that really brings you joy? For a lot of us I think it is safe to say we tend to overlook our hobbies/passions in our daily lives. When the stress starts to become too much, take an hour (or two!) to do something that you love, whether it be reading a book, baking cookies, gardening, or just watching your favorite show.

 

Set yourself up for success (organize, plan, prepare)

I usually become most stressed in situations where I feel unprepared or unsure of what is going to happen. In order to minimize stress before it even hits, do what you can to be as prepared as possible. Leave your house 10 minutes earlier so that you miss rush hour, organize your office before a busy week starts, plan out your dinners so there is one less thing to think about when you get home. It pays off to be prepared!

 

Count your blessings

I think we can all agree that these last couple of years have really taught us to appreciate what we have. We all get stressed and feel overwhelmed at times, it is a part of life. Just remember to count your blessings and really appreciate the good moments when they are happening, and know that you have tools and support to help manage stressful situations.

 

I would love to know what your tips and tricks are for managing stress! Be sure to let me know :)

Stay happy and healthy, everyone!

 

 

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