Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to recognize the negative impacts of stress. While it may be impossible to eliminate every stressor in your life, there are plenty of ways to reduce their effects on your life.

Consider the following tactics to keep stress at bay:

• Plan and prioritize your most important responsibilities.
• Limit interruptions to eliminate the need to refocus. One way to do this is by changing the settings on your phone to limit notifications.
• Take breaks away from work to mentally regroup.
• Consider going for a walk to reenergize your mind and get fresh air.
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Practice meditation.
• Take time off work to clear your mind.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Learn to say no to avoid overscheduling.

If managing stress remains a challenge, consider discussing treatment options with your doctor. Don’t wait to seek help, or you’ll risk letting the stress pile up.