How to Manage Your Stress This Stress Awareness Month

Stress is something we all experience from time to time; it’s a natural response to life’s pressures. But when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can start to take a serious toll on your health, relationships, and overall sense of wellbeing. That’s why Stress Awareness Month each April is an important opportunity to pause, reflect, and check in with yourself.

By exploring how stress impacts both your body and mind and why it can make emotional regulation harder you’ll understand how to mitigate it’s impact.

The Hidden Impact of Stress on Your Health

When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode – releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you respond to danger. This can be useful in the short term, but when we experience stress over a long period, it can have widespread effects.

Chronic stress has been linked to a number of physical health problems including heart disease, digestive issues, headaches, and sleep difficulties. It can also weaken your immune system, making you more prone to illness.

Mentally, stress can increase feelings of anxiety, depression and irritability. One of the lesser-discussed effects of stress is how it impacts your ability to regulate your emotions. When you're constantly running on high alert, it becomes harder to pause, reflect and respond calmly to situations. You may find yourself snapping at loved ones, feeling emotionally numb, or struggling to concentrate – all of which can further fuel the cycle of stress.

How Can You Manage Stress?

While you can’t always control what life throws your way, you can learn how to respond to stress in ways that support your wellbeing. Here are three tips to get you started:

1. Start Journalling – It’s More Than Just Writing

Journalling is a powerful way to process emotions, clear your mind, and reduce stress. In fact, studies show that expressive writing can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes, especially when done regularly.

You don’t need to write pages each day – just a few lines about how you’re feeling, what’s been on your mind, or a situation that’s been bothering you. Over time, you may begin to spot patterns or triggers, and gain a better understanding of the steps you can take to reduce your overall stress levels.

Tip: Try ending each journal entry with one thing you’re grateful for – even if it’s just your morning cuppa!

2. Create a Daily 'Pause' Moment

Incorporate small moments of calm into your routine. Even just five minutes can make a difference. Whether it’s a short walk, some deep breathing, or a mindful coffee break, taking a brief pause helps reset your nervous system and gives your brain a moment to catch up.

Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can significantly reduce stress levels and improve emotional regulation.

Tip: Try pairing these moments of calm with a short breathing exercise to help reset your nervous system, bringing down your overall stress levels.

3. Prepare a 'Calm Kit' for Stressful Moments

When stress spikes unexpectedly, it’s helpful to have a few go-to strategies or items on hand. A “calm kit” can include things like a grounding exercise, a calming playlist, a comforting scent (like lavender), or a reminder to call someone you trust.

The idea is to make it as easy as possible to soothe yourself in the moment – without having to think too hard. You deserve that kind of support, especially when things feel overwhelming.

Tip: Use the notes app on your phone to keep track of the things that are most effective for you.

Stress doesn’t have to control you

Stress may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to control yours. By becoming more aware of how stress shows up in your body and mind – and by putting a few simple tools in place – you can build resilience and feel more in control, even during challenging times.

This Stress Awareness Month, why not use one of these tips to take a small step in supporting your wellbeing? You’re worth the effort.

If you'd like help managing your stress - get in touch.