We all suffer from stress. It’s a normal part of our lives, no one is exempt from it, and at times, we don’t even know we are suffering from it because we’ve become so used to it. However, stress can be debilitating and even cause or accelerate health problems.
April is Stress Awareness Month and its purpose it to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of stress and how best to cope with it.
4 Must Know Facts about Stress
- Stress isn’t always bad. It may seem counterintuitive but according to the National Institute on Mental Health, stress can motivate people to prepare or perform and might even be lifesaving in some situations. Known as our “fight or flight” response to danger, this type of stress response is vital!
- Stress can make you sick. People under stress, especially chronic stress, are more susceptible to a myriad of ailments including headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.
- Why you get stressed. A survey done by the American Psychological Association found that the 5 factors most often the source of stress are money, work, family, economic outlook, and relationships.
- The most and least stressed states. A report done by WalletHub found that Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia are the most stressed-out states. The least stressed states are Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah.
Now that you know a little more about what causes stress and its potential side effects, it’s important to discuss why Stress Awareness Month is so important.
- It reminds us to focus on our health. For many people, we don’t pay attention to our health until something goes wrong. Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to help inform people about the dangers of stress, coping strategies, and some misconceptions of stress that are prevalent in our society.
- You aren’t alone. Stress Awareness Month has been creating awareness and providing education since 1992. It is sorely needed. A survey done of U.S. workers found that 2/3rd of employees engaged in drinking or crying regularly in order to deal with stress.
How can you observe stress awareness month?
Self- care is the best way to manage stress. It can be as simple as taking some time to do something for yourself, like reading, going for a hike, or even taking a bubble bath. Some other methods include:
- Meditation. This is one of the most effective ways to deal with stress because you learn how to silence the mind, achieve a sense of peace, control your breathing and quiet everything around you.
- Exercise. Exercise has so many amazing health benefits and can help you battle the debilitating effects of stress. Whether you like to run/jog, hike, walk, take classes, lift weights, or bike – fresh air and exercise added to your daily routine can combat the negative effects of stress.
- See your doctor. As with any health concerns, you should always consult your physician for the best advice to get you started on the path to a reduced or stress-free lifestyle.