April: Stress Awareness Month

Did you know April is National Stress Awareness Month? Stress can be detrimental to our overall health and wellbeing, but many people struggle with stress management. Finding healthy, positive coping strategies to deal with stress can be very important.

If this feels like it pertains to you, here are some ways to help mitigate stress:

• Journal

• Deep breathing exercises 

• Talk/spend time with a loved one - partner, friend, family member or a pet

• If it feels helpful to you personally and is allowed by your treatment team some forms of movement such as stretching, yoga or a leisurely walk in nature can help 

• Attend a support group 

• Arts and crafts

• Listen to calming music or a guided meditation 

• A puzzle or word game

• Take a nap 

• Drink tea - some flavors such as chamomile, peppermint and lemon balm tea have been shown to induce calmness

• Aromatherapy - light a candle or use an essential oil diffuser. Certain scents such as lavender or peppermint have been shown to promote relaxation

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Hoping these techniques help! What else would you add?