{"id":13581,"date":"2019-04-15T20:16:05","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T20:16:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dbhids2021.wpengine.com\/?p=13581"},"modified":"2019-04-15T20:16:05","modified_gmt":"2019-04-15T20:16:05","slug":"coping-with-stress-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthymindsphilly.org\/dev\/blog\/coping-with-stress-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping with Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since 1992 <\/span>The Health Resource Network (HRN)<\/span><\/a> has sponsored Stress Awareness Month in April, with National Stress Awareness Day observed on April 16th. Stress affects all of us, so take this time to learn how to identify your stressors and familiarize yourself with the tools for coping with stress. <\/span><\/p>\n

Kinds of Stress<\/b><\/h3>\n

There are two forms of stress: acute and chronic. We all face <\/span>acute stress <\/b>each day – from the traffic on the way to work to the realization that you didn\u2019t prepare for tonight\u2019s dinner. Acute stress is highly treatable and manageable. <\/span><\/p>\n

Acute stress can even be exciting (remember your first roller coaster?). Stress initiates our fight or flight response, sending chemicals through our brains and bodies that help us react. For example, think about the last time you were in a car and someone cut you off. How did your body feel? What was your physical reaction? How about verbal reaction? This is stress triggering your fight or flight response. <\/span><\/p>\n

When stress becomes frequent and negative, it is known as <\/span>chronic stress<\/b>. This kind of stress takes a toll on our bodies. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, cause stomach problems and headaches, and the development of feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression. Eating habits may become poor, substance use may increase, and physical activity may decline. <\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing chronic stress may be challenging, especially when stress is associated with poverty, chronic health problems, abuse, or other potentially traumatic life situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Reflect and recognize your stressors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Take an account of your stressors. What makes your heart jump? Is it your alarm each morning, your commute, or perhaps that assignment you cannot find the time to get around to? What keeps you up at night? Are you frequently trying to fall asleep but notice you\u2019re playing out the day\u2019s events in your head or mentally preparing for the next day? How are these stressors impacting you? If you\u2019re unsure, try <\/span>taking a quick screening<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask for help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some stress can be managed individually, but when stress becomes too much, ask for help. This doesn\u2019t necessarily mean professional treatment, but simply seeking out a supportive friend or family member to talk to or to ask for help with your specific stressors. <\/span><\/p>\n

For me, trash night was stressful – trying to get all the cans emptied and the trash to the curb after cleaning up dinner and preparing two kids for bed. If the trash didn\u2019t get out, it meant a race to beat the garbage truck in the early morning. To help with that stress, I\u2019ve recruited my four year old to help. His excitement for the task makes it fun and it has cut down the time the chore takes, which eliminates the stress of the responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relax<\/strong><\/p>\n

While at a conference years ago, I heard a proverb that went something like this: \u2018If you are too busy to meditate for twenty minutes a day, you should meditate for an hour each day.\u2019 The more stress you have, the more time you should spend re-energizing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking time to calm your body through relaxation reduces the impact of daily stressors. Try out a few techniques to find out what works best for you, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n