Stress Awareness Month

Antonia_Alumni

It's Stress Awareness Month this April, to raise awareness about stress and how it can be managed. A lot of us will agree that life can get pretty stressful and it may not be easy to talk about it. It can impact us mentally and physically, from headaches to muscle pain. The NHS website says: 

You can't always prevent stress, but there are lots of things you can do to manage stress better. 

You could:

• try these 10 simple stress busters
• use these easy time-management techniques
• try mindfulness – studies have found mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve your mood
• use calming breathing exercises
• download some relaxation and mindfulness apps on to your phone
• listen to an anxiety control audio guide

Other things that may help:

• share your problems with family or friends
• make more time for your interests and hobbies
• take a break or holiday
• take some regular exercise and make sure you're eating healthily
• make sure you're getting enough sleep (see tips on better sleep) 

I recently signed up to Headspace to try their meditation guides, where you can pick a meditation for sleep, your kids, anxiety, work - just to name a few. I found it hard the first time to sit in silence and let my drift off, before I started thinking about what I can make for dinner. So I will start in the mornings and see how it goes. I have been slacking on my drawing but this is another way for me to easy those anxious feelings.. and of course baking.

How do you manage stress and have you found it helpful at all?

Ami2301

Wedding planning is quite relaxing for me Haha! Writing, cuddling my pets helps a lot too

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @Ami2301 oh wow, I would have never thought wedding planning, would be relaxing. I think the only part I will enjoy, is the cake tasting. I'll have to contact you when I am getting married then. I agree! I love people's pets from afar for now

Ami2301

I am actually hoping to become a wedding planner and received a Diploma in this with New Skills Academy!  I think, because my fiance and I are getting married this September, we are having a superhero themed wedding and as you can imagine...it can get quite creative! I felt like my ideas that we can't afford will go to waste so I want to help others. Plus, I would like to specialise in WEDDINGS which are accessible to all

Antonia_Alumni

This is amazing @Ami2301 congratulations! Love the superhero idea, I hope it all goes well. 
Yes, this will definitely be beneficial for a lot of couples

Ami2301

Not sure why weddings came up in capitals...thanks @Antonia_Scope¡

Antonia_Alumni

No worries, the keypads must have felt your passion about weddings
You're welcome.

Ami2301

? that makes sense!