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Whether it’s meeting an important deadline for work, trying to get your kids to bed, or finishing the grocery list for the week, stress comes in all types of forms and affects everyone. What’s important is to focus on relieving that stress so that it doesn’t add up to create anxiety or chronic stress. During National Stress Awareness Month, think about things that typically stress you out the most and how you can relieve or prevent that stress.
Tackling stress in the moment can be difficult but is also very beneficial to your overall wellbeing. Managing stress can help you become more calm, happy, resilient, and at peace.
It’s important to remember that each person handles stress differently. What might work for others may not work well for you. Luckily, there are many different things you can try to quickly relieve stress if you find yourself in a difficult situation.
Try doing the following:
Close your eyes and BREATHE: Take a moment to focus on your breathing. Breathing is a great and quick way to relieve stress Certain techniques are extremely beneficial to your health and can help you remain calm in stressful situations. You can find breathing technique workshops to learn more in the links below:
Walk it off: Walk off steam from a stressful situation. Physical activity has an immediate positive impact on the brain. Just 10 minutes of walking or moving can greatly reduce stress! Find more information on Move For Mental Health here. **
Listen to music: Recent research has suggested that music can have a big influence on our overall wellbeing. Next time you’re struggling with stress, play your favorite song and have your own private dance party!
Keep a stress ball or bubble wrap close by: Squeezing stress balls give your body the chance to release built up stress. Popping bubble wrap can also provide instant gratification and help relieve stress.
Make a list of what you’re grateful for: Stop what you’re doing in a stressful situation and think of or physically list what you’re grateful for. Focusing on the positive things in your life can help put things in perspective and help you feel happier overall. Find more information here.
Other quick activities and resources can be found here.
While there are ways to reduce stress in the moment, it may require more attention or lifestyle changes if you experience chronic stress. This can take determination, persistence and time if you want to make a lifestyle change and improve your overall well-being.
Here are some tips for reducing or controlling stress long-term:
Learn to say NO: If you are feeling overwhelmed by certain activities, you can say “no”. You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should be handling.
Meditate: Taking 10-20 minutes of quiet reflection can bring relief from chronic stress and also increase your tolerance to it. Use this time to listen to music and relax, while trying to think of pleasant things or nothing at all.
Exercise: Exercising regularly is a great way to relieve stress. Doing 20-30 minutes of physical activity has a positive impact on the body and mind.
Find a new hobby: Take time every day to do something you enjoy! Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or painting, schedule time for your interests. You can find 50 low-cost hobbies to try here.
Learn about more tips and resources at https://mhanational.org/conditions/stress
**A great way to get moving this spring and relieve stress is to walk! Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania is a free, virtual, 8-week walking challenge taking place this spring from April 1 – May 27. Healthy Franklin County will be providing incentives to participants who can earn entries to have a chance to win a $50 GIANT Food gift card in a drawing at the end of the program. Participants must register by March 29 for the walking program and the Healthy Franklin County incentives. Find more information here.
If you notice that stress or anxiety begin to interfere with your everyday life, it may be time to talk to a professional. Reach out to one of the resources below and find a full list of local resources HERE.
Keystone Behavioral Health(717) 709 7930
Mental Health Association
(717) 264-4301
WellSpan Behavioral Health
(717) 267-7480
In a crisis? Call 988 now.
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