Take a Deep Breath: It's Stress Awareness Month!
Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact stress has on our lives and learning healthy ways to manage it. This initiative started in 1992 to shed light on the growing concern of stress in modern society.
With outreach communication and assurances, the worlds' efforts to inform and comfort cannot eradicate the fallout from stress-related issues. But we can talk about it and offer a safe forum for discussion. Ignoring stress can cause significant health issues. Here's a few ways you can identify the signs of stress.
Know the signs of stress:
Physical: headaches, sickness, indigestion
Mental: irritable, inflexible, short-tempered
Emotional: anxious, fearful, angry, frustrated, sad
Behavioral: sleep problems, substance abuse (food, alcohol, drugs)
The past few years have been one of the most stressful in our lifetimes. COVID has pushed our collective stress limit to a new level. It has challenged us to stay centered and productive in our school, work and family lives. And that’s been hard on our physical and mental health. *
"As much as its important to be aware of the signs of stress, it is just as important to find a list of activities to combat the increasingly normalized stressors of life."
Mara - Owner of Yo! Crash
If you're feeling like you're about to combust from the pressures of daily life; Listen up! We all know that stress can wreak havoc on your mind, body, and even your ability to tell a good joke. That's why finding healthy outlets to relieve that tension is like giving your brain 30 minutes of cathartic release in a safe room dedicated to relieving any ambient negative emotions. So, ditch the urge to indulge in activities that don't feed into the calm, cool, and collected side of you (we strongly advise against that) and explore some stress-crashing activities. You'll thank yourself later, especially when you can finally laugh at your problems instead of cry. Without stating the obvious (Rent the Mobile Rage Room), we've listed 6 tasks to relieve stress.
Here are 5 quick tips:
Move your body: Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Go for a brisk walk, hit the gym, try a yoga class, and visit a rage room.
Relax your mind: Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation for a few minutes each day. Focus on calming your breath and letting go of tension in or out of the rage room.
Connect with loved ones: Social support is key. Talk to friends, family, join a support group or share in the Rage Room Experience at the comfort of your own home.
Make time for yourself: Schedule activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, spending time in nature, or listening to music.
Laugh it off! Watch a comedy, spend time with a funny friend, watch some silly pet videos online, or watch your friend miss hitting a dinner plate with a hammer 3 times in a row at a rage room. Laughter is truly the best medicine.
Okay, we may have stated the obvious. **
All jokes aside.
You wouldn't be alone if you felt like stress is reaching epidemic levels. According to a 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), a whopping 74% of adults in the United States reported experiencing physical or emotional symptoms of stress in the past year [APA Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, December 2022]. That translates to millions of individuals potentially grappling with stress-related health issues like headaches, sleep problems, and even heart disease. This data highlights the critical need for effective stress management techniques to combat this widespread challenge.
Need additional help? Here are some Ohio organizations that can provide support:
(You are worth the search for organizations in your area if you're not in Ohio)
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: 1-800-720-7837: tel:1-800-720-7837 (https://mha.ohio.gov/)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ohio: (https://namiohio.org/) offers support groups and resources.
The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
Remember, you're not alone in your stress journey. Take a deep breath, prioritize self-care, and don't hesitate to seek help if needed. By incorporating these tips and reaching out for support, you can navigate stressful moments and build resilience for a calmer, happier you.
Citation: National Stress Awareness Month
April 28, 2021, National Stress Awareness Month | Countway Library (harvard.edu) *