Stress Awareness Month - April 2024

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Being Aware of Stress - Self Help 

April is 'stress awareness' month bringing attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing the stress in our lives is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Stress is the key to our own survival. But too much stress is damaging to our health. Emotional stress and mental stress that stay with us for weeks, months or even years, will weaken our immune system and cause health problems such as fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, anxiety and even heart health problems.

Life can be very overwhelming at times bringing anxiety into our everyday lives. We need to find the tools and learn how to implement them, helping us manage our stress levels that lead to a healthier and less stressful life.

Here are five helpful tips on how to manage stress:

Putting aside a few minutes a day to practice mindful breathing, will give you clarity and the tools to deal with stress and anxiety. With practice it will help to bring you back to the present moment and focus on the task to hand, instead of the internal chatter that sends your mind into overdrive. 
Switching off and practising mindful breathing can decrease negative automatic thoughts that are prevalent in people that suffer with stress, depression and anxiety

Present moment awareness and mindfulness decrease stress levels and are effective coping tools. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment which deflects from destructive thought patterns and past or present distractions. 
Stress can be beneficial, it triggers our "flight or fight" responses, creating bodily functions such as increased heart rate and a laser-like focus. Good stress can inspire and motivate
There is a fine line between good and bad stress. One being beneficial and one toxic.


Spending too much time on social media can become very stressful. Not just by what you actually see but by the things you might miss being glued to the screen, such as time connecting with friends, being outside enjoying the weather or local social events. We see social media as a relaxation activity or as a time to wind down before bedtime, when really this is nothing but a distraction and reducing our overall hours of good quality sleep
There is a place for social media and by setting a time slot and sticking to it will bring less stress and more enjoyment.  Health, Motivation and Social Media

Meditation helps us to acknowledge and accept our thoughts and feelings without judgement. Meditation is exercise for our minds. Just like losing weight, or increasing our fitness levels it will not happen overnight. 
Meditation is a practice and with time and a little daily effort, we will find peace and calm.
Meditation is a very personal practice. There is no wrong or right way to do it. It is for you to feel comfortable and at ease within your practice. 
People see meditation as a religious act rather than a well-being exercise. This is not the case, particularly with Mindful Meditation.
Meditation also helps to de-clutter both physically and mentally.
Meditation will bring emotional balance, happiness, calmness, peace and a sense of well-being. It's worth the 10 minutes of daily practice to enhance our physical and mental health. Meditation for Self Care


Think of the days you feel overwhelmed, stressed, over emotional or just not coping well. You feel that escape is your only option. A regular home retreat is a coping mechanism, a place to get away or a place  just for you. This is your own space where you can lose yourself, sit with your thoughts and explore your feelings. 
Firstly you will need to set an intention. Why are you creating a home retreat? Take time to think about this and focus on your intention. There are many reasons why you want to take time for yourself and to feel some kind of calm and tranquility. 

©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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