Finally, spring has officially sprung after another long winter. As April approaches, you’re getting ready for Easter, Earth Day, and spring break. Yet, one event likely not on your calendar is Stress Awareness Month. Since 1992, April is here to help people de-stress. In particular, healthcare professionals spend these 30 days educating others about the dangers of stress. The nationwide effort to reduce stress is needed more than ever. In fact, the American Institute of Stress reports that 77% of people regularly feel anxious. Of course, everyone gets stressed about daily life challenges now and then. However, suffering from high amounts of stress for long periods of time will damage your health. Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time to unburden yourself from worries.
Why Being More Aware of Your Stress Matters
First, stress can occur whenever you’re dealing with a significant life change. For example, perhaps you’re applying to college, buying a new home, having a baby, or starting a new job. Whatever the case may be, the stress you feel mentally affects you physically too. Stress activates your body’s central nervous system. Your body prepares to fight by releasing hormones and increasing your heart rate. Your blood pressure will begin to rise. You might experience pain in your chest, head, and back from tension. The stress makes you lose precious hours of sleep each night. Further, you may have panic attacks and need an anxiety treatment program. Many health conditions stem from stress, including:
- Heart attacks
- Viruses
- Stomach ulcers
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders
- Cancers
- Fertility problems
Ways to Celebrate Stress Awareness Month
Observe Stress Awareness Month this April by taking steps to change your life. Start making time to unwind from your hectic lifestyle a priority. For example, plan that dream vacation you’ve been putting off for months or years. Schedule more time with the people you love. Try a new hobby like painting or hiking to take your mind off “what ifs.” Keep in mind that a good workout regimen helps relieve stress. Perhaps do some spring cleaning to de-clutter your home or office, or practice mindfulness meditation. Practice deep breathing exercises while freeing your mind of negative thoughts. Meanwhile, focus on positivity by beginning a gratitude journal. Make yourself feel good by helping others and doing volunteer work.
Getting Professional Help at Steps to Recovery
Ready to free yourself from constant fear? Steps to Recovery is the place to turn. Our Levittown clinic specializes in dual diagnosis treatment of anxiety and addiction. We provide outpatient therapy to address both stress and drinking or drug use together. Above all, guiding people with severe co-occurring disorders to brighter futures is our mission. As such, we deliver several Pennsylvania addiction recovery services, such as:
Don’t keep using drugs or alcohol to numb your overwhelming worries. Instead, let Steps to Recovery healthily manage your anxiety. Our trained clinicians teach clients life skills to cope with stress. Call 866-488-8684 today to learn how we can help you this Stress Awareness Month.
