Stress Awareness Month is recognized each April, and is an important time to bring awareness to your stress levels, potential causes, and ways to reduce stress in your life this spring and beyond. During this season of new beginnings, it’s pivotal to set goals to create positive change in your daily life, especially as it relates to alleviating stress. Here are some tools to help reduce stress this spring.
Exercise Regularly
According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Implementing weekly physical activity, like brisk walking, has been linked to a myriad of benefits for mental and physical health, such as improving mood, keeping you calm, boosting energy and stamina, lowering your blood pressure, and improving your quality of sleep.
Practice Yoga
Practicing yoga has been linked to aiding in stress management, encouraging relaxation, and supporting a focus on the present moment. During yoga and breathwork, the body shifts the balance from the sympathetic nervous system (flight-or-fight response) to the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest responses), which can help reduce stress.
Meditate
Meditation is a beneficial tool to help you feel more relaxed. There are a variety of ways to meditate, including Mindfulness Meditation, Guided Imagery Meditation, Body Scan Meditation, Mantra Meditation, and Transcendental Meditation.
Implement Healthy Eating Habits
Incorporating healthy eating habits into your daily routine is an essential foundation for supporting your overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet ensures your body receives the key nutrients it needs for optimal health. Discuss any questions about healthy eating habits or dietary changes with your primary care doctor.
Talk to a Therapist
Life’s stressors can be overwhelming and take a toll on your mental and physical health. Talking with a therapist is a great outlet for communicating with a professional about life stressors and developing a plan to combat stress.
Prioritize Sleep
Good sleep is essential to good health, and getting adequate rest can help reduce your stress levels.
Spend Time in Nature
According to the National Institute of Health, there is an association between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Springtime is a season filled with new life, fresh blooms, and extended sunlight, and a wonderful time to spend outdoors.
Sources:
American Heart Association: Working Out to Relieve Stress
NIH: Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence
published: April 18, 2024, 7:51 p.m.