Stress can be debilitating, and it can cause and/or aggravate health problems. And since stress is a normal part of human existence — nobody is immune to it — it’s important to arm ourselves with knowledge so that we recognize when stress rears its ugly head. (Amazingly, we don’t always notice it’s happening to us.) Stress Awareness Month happens each April. It’s important to learn some strategies for coping with this particular silent scourge. You’ve come to the right place for that. Let’s get started! 

HOW TO OBSERVE STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

1. Practice meditation

   One of the most effective ways to deal with stress is to learn how to silence the mind. Meditation is one of the most popular methods of achieving this quiet.

2. Exercise

   Another way to battle the debilitating effects of stress is to exercise. Whether you're a jogger, bicyclist our just like to take long walks, be sure to get some fresh air and exercise into your daily routine.

3. Visit your doctor

   They're really in the best position to get your started on the path to a stress-free lifestyle. Make an appointment today.

STRESSFUL FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Stress can help — sometimes

   According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "stress can motivate people to prepare or perform and might even be life-saving in some situations."

2. It's sickening — literally

   People under stress – especially those prone to chronic stress — are more susceptible to a variety of ailments, from headaches and insomnia to high blood pressure and heart disease.

3. Stressed? Here's why

   A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the five factors most often cited as a source of stress were money, work, family, economic outlook and relationships.

4. America's highest and lowest stress states

   A report on WalletHub found that the most stressed-out states in America are Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia. The least? Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah.

WHY STRESS AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

1. It reminds us to pay attention to our health

   According to the official website, "Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society."

2. It's going strong

   Stress Awareness Month has been an ongoing campaign of awareness and education since 1992.

3. Because we're all feeling it

   A recent survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. workers report engaging in behavior such as drinking or crying regularly in order to deal with stress.

For More Tools To Manage Stress

CDC - Mental Health Stress & Coping

NationalToday.com