5 Ways To Nurture Your Wellbeing And Reduce Stress This April
April 05, 2023
April is stress awareness month.
Stress awareness month has been held each April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures of stress. Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain caused by adverse circumstances. It can manifest in emotional, physical, or mental symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and feelings of overwhelm to name but a few.
In present times stress is more prevalent than ever as for most people, daily modern life can be extremely busy. In today's society, we thrive on performance, competition, and perfection, and most of us have too many obligations. This amount of social and emotional and mental overload can lead to extreme stress.
Stress is a normal emotional response to the demands of life, and at some point in the week everyone experiences it, however, the symptoms of stress may vary in intensity. There are many levels of stress, sometimes presenting as simply a bad mood or unfortunately leading to more complicated illnesses.
Stress can present differently, most of us will feel stress at some time of the week.
Low-level stress is something most of us will experience at some point. Low-level stress tends not to be problematic, and it can motivate us and push us to get things done. Acute stress can have a harmful on affect our mood, and our general well-being and cause adverse issues in our daily life, such as irritability, difficulty emotionally regulating or feelings of overwhelm.
Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, and increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart attack and stroke.
If low-level stress persists without being addressed and managed unfortunately it can build up and consequently, ignoring the subtle signs of stress can lead to more serious health issues. It is important to recognise the signs early and to take measures to relieve stress as it presents itself.
With Stress awareness falling in Spring it can be helpful to take some time to consider ways to nurture our wellness. The longer days and warmer weather provide the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and harness the refreshing energy that spring brings. Consider this new season a time for renewal and self-care; spring is after all the season of new beginnings so why not use this time to make some healthy changes in your everyday life?
Here are 5 things for spring that can help us reduce the impact of stress in our lives.
Spend time outdoors
Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and soak up the sunshine. Being in nature has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood.
Eat fresh, seasonal produce
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables like strawberries, asparagus, and peas. Eating a balanced diet can help us feel energised and nourished.
Practice mindfulness
Take a few minutes each day to be present at the moment. You can try meditation, deep breathing, or simply focus on your senses. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.
Stay hydrated
As the weather warms up, it's important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can also enjoy herbal teas, fruit-infused water, or coconut water for a refreshing twist.