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7 Healthy Coping Skills for Stress Awareness Month

Posted in Community Outreach, Health & Wellness on April 17, 2024

April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s important to recognize stress’s impact on our lives and take steps to manage it. Modern society often overwhelms us with demands from work, family, and other commitments, but ignoring stress can lead to mental and physical health problems. The World Health Organization reports that one in four people will experience mental or neurological disorders in their lifetime.

Stress is a significant cause of mental health. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, causing the “fight or flight” response. While this response can be helpful in short-term situations, long-term stress can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and digestive issues.

Here are seven ways to help manage stress:

  • Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. To help manage stress, you can meditate, practice deep breathing, or do yoga.
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress. Exercise can improve your mood, release tension, and improve your overall health. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
  • Get enough sleep: Good-quality sleep is essential for good mental health. Lack of sleep can cause irritability, poor concentration, and stress. Try to get seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet can help you manage stress better. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep your body healthy and functioning well.
  • Connect with others: Having supportive relationships is vital for mental health. Spend time with loved ones or join a support group to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
  • Take care of yourself: Do things that make you feel good. Read a book, take a relaxing bath, or go for a walk in nature.
  • Seek help: Talk to a mental health professional if stress is too much. They can help you develop a plan to manage stress and improve your mental resilience.

Stress can have a negative impact on mental health, but there are ways to manage it. You can improve your mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, connecting with others, taking care of yourself, and seeking help when needed. Remember, just as we prioritize physical health, we should also prioritize mental health during Stress Awareness Month and every day.