National Stress Awareness Month

While you can’t avoid stress, you CAN minimize it by changing how you choose to respond to it. A little bit of stress is good for us because it provides energy and keeps us aware of everything going on in our lives. Even thought stress is a daily occurrence for all of us, it’s important to keep it in check. When left to its own devices, it can lead to or some time intensify a number of health problems, from heart disease, to obesity, to depression and anxiety. Remember, everyone has the ability to choose their response to stress, and there are various options you can try to reduce stress.

• Keep a positive attitude,
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
• Learn and practice relaxation techniques like some of the following below.
• Take time to Laugh
• Spend some time gardening
• Take a walk or go for a run
• Read or listen to a book
• Spend time with a pet
• Have a cup of tea and relax
• Spend time with a friend or loved one
• Meditate or do some Yoga
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Learn to manage your time more effectively.
• Set limits appropriately and learn to say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.
• Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation.
• Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you enjoy.