Bridge to Wellness

Healthy Coping Tips for April’s National Stress Awareness Month

by Emily Stewart

Whether you’re dealing with difficulties at home, work or school, it can be challenging to manage stress. Coping is how you face responsibilities or problems in your life.

Some days you can cope successfully—frustration or overwhelming feelings are met in a calm, healthy manner. Other days, it can be tempting to turn to unhealthy or harmful behaviors for quick relief. Drowning out the discomfort with negative behaviors may seem easier, but healthy coping is essential for both youth and adults.

Some estimate that 75-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related conditions. In honor of April as National Stress Awareness Month, this month’s column highlights healthy ways to manage stress. According to BetterHelp, the tips below may help cope and improve your overall well-being.

• Connect with others. Positive social connections and support are proven to reduce stress and improve health.
• Practice mindfulness. Try deep-breathing exercises and meditation.
• Move more. Physical activity of any kind can relieve tension and promote physical and mental well-being. The activity does not need to be extensive or intense and can be modified to meet your needs.
• Carve out time for hobbies. Engaging in activities you love can provide a nice break and help you unwind. Find what you enjoy and try to do it often.
• Spend time outdoors. According to research, even a brief period spent outside can alleviate stress. The hustle of life can be soothed by nature, which gives you time to pause, take in the beauty around you and relax.

If you’re struggling and need guidance to manage stress, talking to a professional can help. Check out srslystockbridge.org for a list of local and national resources.

Upcoming Event

Just in time to provide a nice outdoor stress-coping mechanism, the Beckwith Preserve Spring Clean Up is Thursday, April 27, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Get your gloves and spades out and head into the woods for some invasive weed pulling, camaraderie, and communing with nature. Meet in the parking lot off of M106.

This column is sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC).  Emily Stewart is the Coalition Vice-Chair and SRSLY Stockbridge Coalition Director with the Community Health Improvement Team at Chelsea Hospital.