April is National Stress Awareness Month. Individually and collectively, most of us are stressed. Be it taxes, family, job, technology, the economy or environment, we’re facing issues that we perceive are beyond our ability to cope or control. Or we feel threatened or anxious about the unknown. Over time, too much stress can be mentally, physically and emotionally damaging ___ provoking unhealthy behaviors such as junk food or shopping binges, excessive smoking or alcohol drinking. Stress can bring on colds and flu, high blood pressure or depression. Stress that persists over years creates conditions that make our body more vulnerable to illness, or exacerbate conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, ulcers, and more…

Although we can’t change conditions or circumstances, we can change our attitudes toward them. We can also use proven stress-relief strategies and self-care practices to manage stress more effectively.

Here are a few tips:

1. Learn to notice your stress signals and become aware of your own reactions to stress
2. Learn to say “no” graciously and more often to create healthy boundaries for yourself
3. Avoid reading, watching or listening to the news
4. Tend to your priorities and avoid procrastination that can lead to overwhelm
5. Eat healthy meals daily. Eat fresh, organic, live foods and eliminate processed foods
6. Exercise consistently; walking, swimming, bicycling, dancing, tennis, hatha yoga, tai chi
7. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation

You can learn additional ways to minimize & manage stress and create more serenity, balance and harmony in your life for optimal bodymindspirit health at home and the workplace through programs and services of The Wright Resort.