Recognizing What Stress And Anxiety Can Look Like
“Stress acts as an accelerator: it will push you either forward or backward, but you choose which direction.”
―Chelsea Erieau
April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. It's critical to recognize what stress and anxiety can look like. Here are some tips to help you destress this Spring season.
1. Recognize and counter signs of stress
Your body sends signals that say, "I'm stressed out!" These can include difficulty concentrating, headaches, cold hands, tight muscles, a nervous stomach, clenched teeth, feeling on edge, fidgety, irritable, or withdrawn. Knowing how your body communicates can help you deal with stressful moments. Learn to recognize when you are experiencing stress and take action to counter its effects. For example, deep breathing, stretching, walking, writing down your thoughts, and taking quiet time to focus. All of these activities can help induce relaxation and reduce tension.
2. Take time for yourself
"Turning self-care into a daily habit is essential. It's not selfish or self-indulgent; it may involve politely declining requests to focus on yourself and your needs".
Start with small changes in your routine to help build resilience to stressful circumstances. Work slowly towards exercising, eating healthier, participating in relaxing activities, and sleeping. Take time to notice your day's "good minutes" and engage in activities you love, like reading a book or listening to music. It's a great way to redirect your focus towards positivity rather than fixating on the negative.
3. Try new routines
From scheduling baths and bedtimes to blocking off time to plan and prioritize tasks, the additional structure can provide a daily framework that allows you to attune to your body's signals and manage stress sooner.
4. Redefining our Approach to Stress: The Power of Reframing
One helpful exercise is to seize ordinary moments in your day to cultivate gratitude. For instance, while stuck in traffic, enjoy music, and podcasts, or just admire the surroundings. Maintaining a balanced perspective is key to enhancing stress resilience. With consistent practice, reframing stress can become more natural over time.
Creating a set of positive affirmations and powerful statements can help shift your focus away from worry when you feel overwhelmed.
1. I have done this before and can do it again.
2. This, too, shall pass.
3. I am strong and resilient.
4. I trust myself to navigate through this.
5. I will take things one day at a time.
6. I inhale peace and exhale worry.
7. This feeling is only temporary.
8. I am loved and accepted just as I am.
Stress Reducing Podcast Resource: The Mindful Minute
This podcast shares mindfulness meditation to support one’s joy.
Explore the deep connection between the land and self through nature-based meditations and contemplative experiences that invite you back into belonging, to our ancestors, the earth, and all beings that make up the universe.
You can continue to expect inspirational talks, guided meditations, and occasional interviews.
Stress-Reducing Book Resource
Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present
Stop Overthinking aims to help you process what you’ve been through and how to de-stress your mind out of the trap of anxiety and stress. Author Nick Trenton will walk you through the obstacles of the mind with detailed and proven techniques to help you rewire your brain, control your thoughts, and change your mental habits.
Moreover, this book provides scientific approaches to transforming your thoughts and feelings about yourself by shifting negative thought patterns.
by Nick Trenton