April is Stress Awareness Month! In honor of this month, let’s talk a little bit about stress and how we can cope with it.
Stress is inevitable. It can come from work, relationships, or unforeseen circumstances. Stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Positive stress, or eustress, can help us grow like working out or challenges that get us out of our comfort zone. Negative stress, or distress, can make us anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. Some stress is fine and normal, but if it’s intense and ongoing, this is where problems arise. Here are some ways to destress:
- Work out – This is my go to stress reliever. Working out won’t make your problems go away, but it can relieve stress and boost your mood.
- Walk outside – Getting some fresh air, sunshine, and steps has always helped me feel better. Sometimes I’m just grumpy from being indoors too long.
- Take a break – Whatever work you need to get done will get done. You can spare 5 minutes and take a breather.
- Stretch – Stress can cause tension in many parts of our body like our neck, shoulders, and trapezius muscles. Stretch or foam roll to relieve tension and tightness in your body.
- Meditate/breathing exercise – Sometimes we hold our breath or chest breathe which can make us feel more stressed. Remember to breathe!
- Stay hydrated – Drinking water helps with everything. I also know many of us like to unwind with alcohol, but this is a temporary fix. You might feel great in the moment but not so great the next day. Drink some water instead!
- Do something creative – It can be art or reading, but having a creative outlet can also help relieve stress and be a fun activity.
It’s okay to encounter some stress. It’s not okay if it starts to negatively affect your mood and your life. Try one or all of these ways to relieve stress. You deserve to be happy and at ease!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s post! For more tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter, and follow me on social media!
