Stress Awareness Month

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Goals (82)      Stress (65)      Stress Management (37)      Deep breathing (3)     

April is Stress Awareness Month in a number of countries, including Australia. The idea is promote the public awareness of both the causes and management of stress. Sometimes we aren't aware we are suffering from stress until we realise we have a tension headache or feel nauseous. There are times we may feel we can't do much about the stress in our lives, but perhaps we can.

Don't be your own worst enemy
It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to do too much or taking on things that aren't our responsibility. We can find ourselves worrying about things that don't matter or are beyond our control.

The pressures of modern life don't help. The news, social media and easy access to so much information add to the stress. Too much stress can have negative results for our health.

Lists and setting goals
Then there is this whole thing of making 'To Do' lists and setting goals. We are told we can do anything as long as we put our mind to it. Aim high, never give up and so the advice goes on. There is some validity in these sayings but sometimes we may put too much pressure on ourselves.

It is good to have some goals but they need to be achievable. We need to ask ourselves why we have a particular goal. Sometimes circumstances or our way of thinking changes and a goal we set ourselves a year or two earlier isn't important any more. Or other things have become more important. It is okay to drop or modify a goal.


What can we do to reduce stress?
There are ways to reduce the amount of stress in our lives but it isn't always easy.
Read
Can't Talk Now, I'm Crazy Busy
Cut Yourself Some Slack

When we feel ourselves tense with stress (or before even) there are things we can do to loosen up. This is an individual thing because what works for one person may not for the next.

Breathe
However, it is sometimes as simple as stopping where you are and taking a few slow deep breaths.


Stress and how to manage it is something we need to be aware of all through the year, not just in April.


# Deep Breathing
# Goals
# Stress
# Stress Management

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