International Stress Awareness Day is November 4th

By Stephanie Barnett Jamison, MSW, Integrated Health System Navigator

The International Stress Awareness Day is an annual event intended to bring awareness to stress, and its impact on our overall physical and mental health. Stress isthe body’s natural response to external pressure, challenges, or perceived threats. Short-term stress, or acute stress appears quickly in response to an immediate event or challenge. Chronic stress is long-term that can last for weeks, months, or longer and is usually related to ongoing pressures from things like financial problems, difficulties at work, or health issues. Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but chronic stress can have a negative impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing.

According to the CDC, stress can cause the following:

We can’t always prevent stress, but we can learn how to cope. Here are some strategies you can try:

References and resources:

https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week

https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires and interests
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions
• Nightmares or problems sleeping
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, or skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems and mental health conditions
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances

• Take breaks from social media and stop looking at your phone at least an hour before you go to bed.
• Spend some time outside either relaxing or going for a walk.
• Any kind of exercise but especially anything that helps you feel more calm.
• Try keeping a journal. Use this as a place to write down thoughts and feelings.
• Practice gratitude by taking time to think of at least one thing you are grateful foreveryday.
• Get enough sleep at night and practice good sleep hygiene.
• Limit or eliminate use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances.
• Keep up with your medical appointments.
• Talk to friends and family and consider talking to a therapist or counselor.