4 tips to reduce your stress – Stress Awareness Month

April being Stress Awareness Month feels especially relevant this year. It’s got me thinking about how important it is to manage stress and find healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges. Learning to navigate stress in a positive way can really make a difference in our overall well-being.

Here are four tips to help you manage and reduce stress:

1. Engage in Regular Physical Activity like hiking: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Whether it’s going for a walk, hiking, or engaging in a favorite sport, exercise can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and release endorphins (feel-good chemicals in the brain).
2. Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: When you feel stressed, take a moment to focus on your breath. Practice deep breathing by inhaling slowly through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly. 
3. Prioritize Time Management: Feeling overwhelmed by tasks can significantly contribute to stress. Break down your tasks into manageable steps and prioritize them based on importance and deadlines. Use tools like to-do lists or digital planners to stay organized and track your progress. 
4. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that overwhelm you or don’t align with your priorities. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being by taking breaks, delegating tasks, and asking for support when needed.

I’ve found that incorporating these tips into my daily routine has made a huge difference in managing my stress levels over time. It’s been a journey of trial and error, figuring out what works best for me. Patience and consistency have been key—sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find what really clicks.

Be sure to take care of yourself out there.