April Is Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month. April has been recognized as National Stress Awareness Month since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures of modern-day stress. It is when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress on our lives. Many studies have identified the cause of stress and how individuals react to it differently.

Stress is a widespread feeling that almost everyone experiences at one time or another. Everyone is likely, at times to be negatively impacted by stress. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the five factors most often cited as a source of stress were money, work, family, economic outlook and relationships.

Stress can affect a person's physical, mental or emotional health, sometimes affecting all three areas. When left untreated, stress can extend its effects, causing major health issues, including anxiety and depression, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, social adjustment disorders, and heart disease. A recent survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. workers report engaging in behavior such as drinking or crying regularly in order to deal with stress.

Stress is primarily a physical response that can be motivating. Stress signals the body to think it is under attack and switches to 'fight or flight' mode. The presence of stress releases a complex mixture of hormones and chemicals, such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine, to prepare the body for physical action. By releasing these chemicals, the heart pumps faster, blood pressure rises, and we breathe more quickly and deeper. Stress causes increased muscle blood flow, promoting movement in difficult situations.

Additional problems occur when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. Blood flow to the muscles is diverted from the brain, potentially causing the person to be less likely to think clearly and react quickly to issues. Continued stress can be detrimental. Problems occur when the body does not have time to recover and repair itself from continued periods of stress.

April signals that spring has arrived. It’s a month of new beginnings. It’s a great time to take control of the stress that may impact your life. Researchers suggest several methods to reduce stress. Detatch yourself from your technology and connect with friends. Positive social connections and support are proven methods to reduce stressors. Having appropriate social relationships builds resilience to stress and releases stress-relieving hormones that reduces symptoms and increases feelings of well-being. Engage in breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. These are mindfulnessbased interventions and are effective in the alleviation in intense physical impact of overwhelming mental and emotional states. Commit to increasing physical activity. Increased physical activity can take many forms, including yoga, bike riding, swimming, gym activities and walking. These activities can relieve stress and promote physical and mental well-being. Activity does not need to be extensive or intense and can be modified to meet your individual needs. Add a hobby to your lifestyle; having a hobby provides a creative outlet that you could possibly share with others. Meditate on God’s word. The scripture tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 6-7, NKJV). Reassert that God is in control. Finally, learn to say “NO”. Reassess what is important to you, your family and your personal ministry. Declutter your life by eliminating negative people and meaningless activities.

Many individuals assume that feelings of fatigue and weariness are normal. They do not consider these feelings as symptoms of stress. Are you still not sure if you are experiencing stress? Take this simple survey sponsored by the Stress Management Society https:// www.stress.org.uk/individualstress-test/ . Evaluate your test outcomes and take control of the stress in your life. Your life, family and ministry depend on you to be healthy and living the best life of all.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu

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