Let’s have a little April re-cap as we say hello to May!
Apart from being the month of warmer spring weather and the famous April Fool’s Day, April is known internationally as the Stress Awareness Month . And this culture has been in place for almost three decades. Recent studies show that one-third of the population worldwide (a staggering figure of 2.6 Billion people) reported feeling either stressed, angry, or worked up. Even though April is done, we still want to bring awareness to the continued and importance of de-stressing and relaxation. Times are indeed formidable. As the world starts to open up again and our calendars are starting to become populated with activities and plans that barely give us time to kick back, unwind and recharge. Stress occurs when you feel tensed emotionally or physically. Your body responds with stress when it is under threat or when it has to meet demand. The root cause of stress is traceable to many factors.
It is okay to encounter events that can trigger stress but what matters is how you react to them. If you are in the habit of sweating the small stuff, think again. Here are some health issues linked to stress:
While you cannot fully eliminate stress from everyday living, you can learn to manage it. As you spring clean this season and get rid of many wastes from your personal space, you should also bid a stressful life goodbye. Managing stress demands that you modify your lifestyle habits. Here are some tips that will help you get a breather…
One of the best ways you can beat stress is by exercising your body . When you work out, your body releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that can trigger a happy mood. Exercise causes a decline in the secretion of cortisol and adrenaline, two primary hormones that trigger stress. For starters, you can engage in brisk walking for 30 minutes a few times a week.
Sometimes, we get too carried away by the woes of life and fail to admire the natural beauty that surrounds us. Nature is a mood booster. Leave your phone and gadgets at home. Visit a nearby park or a vast expanse of land with just greenery. You’ll be amazed at how revitalized you’ll feel after having a date with nature .
Our mind is a battlefield, but if you can control what goes on in your mind, you’re halfway to winning your fight against stress. It’s so easy to think about all of the doom and glooms and what-ifs. When you find yourself getting ahead, just observe it, take a breath and let go of what is not serving you.
If you haven’t done spring cleaning already, now is a perfect time. Get rid of any entity that is no longer of service to you – emails, social media, beauty supplies, negative energy, relationships, clothing, and whatever it is that is taking so much of your time, efforts, or space. You’ll heave a deep sigh of relief after eliminating all the extras.
Sleep and stress do not go hand in hand. Stress can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle and really cause issues down the road if not managed. Try your best to make getting some solid shut eye a top priority.
Stress can activate your cravings for food especially sugary and fatty foods. The stress hormone cortisol causes your appetite to increase . Consider replacing all the things we know we shouldn’t be eating with veggies, fruits, and plenty of water. In this stress awareness month, we are throwing more light on the importance of consuming healthy, wholesome diets. You will notice a big shift to your energy.
Admit it; problems rear their ugly heads regularly. So, you may as well face them heads up by taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually first. When last did you treat yourself to some tender, loving care? Your body needs pampering . To reduce anxiety and tension, you can soak in a tub with bath salts, meditate, Netflix, or try journaling. Journaling helps you pour your heart out in a book. Life is hard, and it’s always going to be saddled with one responsibility or the other. You do not only have to live, but you also consider enjoying life. Here’s to wishing you a stress-free ”Stress Awareness Month” (and beyond) as you journey to a more relaxed, happy, and positive you.
self-carestress awareness
