April is Stress Awareness Month

April is observed as National Stress Awareness Month as a reminder to pay more attention to our mental health. Simply, stress refers to any physical, emotional, or mental strain. Hence, all humans experience some form of stress during different phases of life. While some stress during a fight or flight situation can help us tackle the crisis better, prolonged stress harms our physical and mental health.

Stress Awareness Month has been observed since 1992. Why is it so important? 

It reminds us to pay attention to our health. 

It is a national cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are very prevalent in our society. 

Stress awareness helps us differentiate between “good” and “bad” stress.

Sometimes stress can motivate us to perform better, encourage growth, and give meaning to our lives. Although temporary stress can be a good thing, chronic stress is not. Differentiating between good and bad stress is crucially important for a healthy life. 

We, as humans, are all feeling it. 

Stress is a reaction to a person feeling anxious or threatened. Learning healthy coping methods and proper care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms. 

How your body reacts to stress- Let’s break it down to a science.

We all feel stressed from time to time- it’s all part of life's emotional ups and downs. Stress has many sources. Stress can come from our environment, bodies, or thoughts and how we view the world around us. The stress response begins in the brain; when someone senses danger, the eyes or ears (or both) send the information to the amygdala, the area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing. The amygdala interprets images and sounds. When the amygdala perceives danger, it instantly sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which will communicate to the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system (ANS), causing the body to fight or flee. 

The Fight or Flight Response

The sympathetic stress response is a survival mechanism hardwired into our frightened systems. This automatic response is essential for mobilizing quick reflexes when there is imminent danger, such as swerving to avoid an automobile crash.

When you identify a threat, stress hormones rush into your bloodstream—increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Other hormones also suppress features like digestion and the immune system, which is one of the reasons why chronic stress can leave you more inclined to illness.

Danger triggers the stress response. Unfortunately, so can work conflicts, issues over debt, awful memories, or anxiousness in general. Although one bad day at work may not compromise your health, weeks or months of stress can dampen your immune response and increase your chance of disease.

How to Cope with Stress

· Take care of yourself – eat healthily, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed.

· Share your problems and feelings with a family member or friend.

· Avoid drugs and alcohol. These can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.

· Recognize when you need more help – know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker, or counselor if things continue.

Simple Ways to Decrease Everyday Stress

· Write it out

· Spend more time in nature

· Decrease caffeine 

· Get enough sleep 

· Some type of movement (walking, running, yoga, etc.)

· Meditation

· Spend time with a friend or loved one

Creek Fit offers weekly Yoga classes! Come help manage your stress with Yoga Instructor Marcia! The class is as follows: 

Creek Fit North (4455 Sol Press Blvd):

Thursdays from 9:00am-10:00am

Saturdays from 11:45 am-12:45 pm

Sundays from 10:30am-11:30am

Creek Fit South (1100 Lyons Rd): 

Mondays from 9:45am-10:45am

Wednesdays from 9:45am-10:45am

Full Class Schedules:

North

South