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Stress Awareness Month: What to Do If You're Struggling with Stress

April 7, 2025  |  mental health, stress, Stress Awareness Month
Man stressed

From everyday responsibilities to world events at home and abroad, life can be stressful. And while stress is something we all experience, it’s not something we should ignore.

 

Since April is Stress Awareness Month, there’s no better time to pause and learn how stress affects our minds and bodies. Let’s take a closer look:

 

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural emotional and physical reaction the body has to pressures, challenges, or changes in life. Initial symptoms of stress include a faster heart rate, quicker breathing, elevated blood pressure, muscle tension, and even sweating. Long-term stress can contribute to digestive disorders, heart disease, headaches, sleep disorders, and other health issues.

 

Stress can be situational, like a busy work or school week, or it can build up over time due to life events and factors such as financial challenges, relationship issues, or health concerns.

 

A little stress is normal. It can actually motivate us to meet daily challenges and reach our goals. But when stress becomes chronic, it can be harmful to our mental and physical health. That’s why it’s so important to recognize when stress is taking a toll and take action before it becomes unmanageable.

 

Healthy Ways to Manage Stress

Are you struggling with stress? Here are some healthy ways to cope:

 

#1: Get Moving

Movement is one of the best stress-relieving activities. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a fitness class with friends, or a dance break in your living room to your favorite song, there’s no wrong way to get moving!

Exercise releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, making it a natural way to ease stress.

 

#2: Break it Down

Stress can occur when we feel overwhelmed by too many tasks at once. If this sounds familiar, try breaking down your day or week into smaller, more manageable to-dos. Prioritize what’s most important, and give yourself grace on the tasks that can wait.

 

#3: Reduce Screen Time

When stress takes over, you may feel the urge to numb your feelings or distract yourself by scrolling through social media or the latest news stories. However, excessive screen time can actually worsen stress and make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, wind down with a non-digital activity. Read a book, journal your feelings, work on a craft or puzzle, listen to music, or spend a quiet moment outside, away from screens.

 

#4: Habit Swap

When we’re feeling stressed, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits that only provide temporary relief. Stress can trigger behaviors such as binge eating or drinking, smoking, drug use, or isolation from others.

 

Instead of turning to a quick fix, try swapping for a healthier habit, such as playing with a pet, talking to a friend, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths.

P.S. If you’re questioning your substance use, take this anonymous questionnaire to receive tips and places to turn for help.

 

#5: Seek Support

Stress is something we all experience. But you don’t have to manage your stress alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out and talk to a friend or family member. Simply giving yourself permission to let your feelings out can bring you relief.

 

If stress is starting to get in the way of your daily life, consider talking to a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can provide tools and support to help you manage stress and prevent burnout. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!

If you’re ready to get connected to local resources and support, the Mental Health Recovery Board serving Warren and Clinton Counties is your starting point for help. We work with a network of provider agencies that offer a variety of services and programs to residents of Warren and Clinton Counties.

 

In a crisis, or know someone who might be? Call or text 988 for confidential mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.