April is ‘Stress Awareness Month’, and it couldn’t arrive during a more stressful time for all of us.

According to recent data, many Americans are reporting an increase in stress-related symptoms this past year tied to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. According to one report, “Nearly 8 in 10 adults (78%) say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their life.  And, 2 in 3 adults (67%) say they have experienced increased stress over the course of the pandemic. When considering the physical and emotional toll of increased stress, nearly half of adults (49%) report their behavior has been negatively affected. Most commonly, they report increased tension in their bodies (21%), “snapping” or getting angry very quickly (20%), unexpected mood swings (20%), or screaming or yelling at a loved one (17%).”

So, what can we do to manage our stress during these challenging times?

Health and wellness coach, Elethia Gay, offers these 7 tips:

1. Breathe deeply. Try breathing to the count of four, four in hold and release, for four minutes.
2. Meditate and/or pray.
3. Go out and enjoy nature.
4. Play with a pet or go to a pet shop.
5. Exercise even if just simple movement.
6. Create a gratefulness journal.
7. Allow yourself to feel the stress momentarily and release judgment.
   

As we continue into another year of the Covid-19 pandemic, even with progress in vaccines and other resources, we will continue to deal with stress as we try to find a “new normal”. If we take the time to practice these healthy steps along with other stress-relieving activities, we can look to the future with a renewed sense of hope.

Would you like to show your support for National Stress Awareness Month? Use #NationalStressAwarenessMonth or #StressAwarenessMonth to post on social media and share what you are doing to be #stressfree this month.

As a Woman…is a weekly column discussing the unique challenges and solutions in health, wealth, finance, and relationships. If you would like to share in the conversation email, lharlem@pwperspective.com