April has been Stress Awareness Month since 1992. This past year has been extremely stressful due to the pandemic. The restrictions that the pandemic created increased stress in many people’s lives. “Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression” according to the Stress Management Society.
How to Manage Stress
Stress can cause fatigue, headaches, muscle tensions and even heart disease. “In fact, 77 percent of Americans report that they experience physical symptoms as the result of stress.” There are three big ways to help manage stress. First, having a diet of fresh foods can combat the body naturally. Coffee and other caffeine beverages can amplify stress, so it is best to avoid these drinks. Next, getting the recommended amount of exercise lowers blood pressure and provides a healthy outlet to relieving stress. Finally, if you don’t get enough sleep, this can lead to increased anxiety, depression and make it difficult to deal with stressful situations.
It’s easier said than done but learning how to relax can help you de-stress. An example of learning how to relax is using a breathing technique. Inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale for eight seconds. Continue to do this until you feel relaxed. This breathing technique may not fit your lifestyle, so try out different techniques that fit your life.
The 30 Day Challenge
The Stress Management Society is having a 30 Day Challenge for this year’s stress management month. The focus on this challenge is “Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control.” The 30 Day Challenge focuses on an individuals physical, mental and emotional well-being. For each day, an individual will pick an action for one of these categories to complete. An example of a physical challenge would be to get up from your computer screen and move around. For a mental challenge, listen to a new podcast. You could write down three positive experiences that have happened to you today as your emotional well-being challenge. The Stress Management Society has provided a calendar and worksheet you can download to complete your thirty day challenge.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Stress Management Society Bio Iq
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