Healthy habits for Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month is recognized annually in April to bring attention to the effects of physical, emotional or mental tension or strain on people. Everyone faces challenges in life that can be overwhelming and tiring, so it is important to learn healthy ways to cope with and manage stress. By doing so, you can grow more resilient in your own life while also learning to better support your friends and family members.
Incorporate these daily habits into your life to help improve your well-being and regulate your stress:
- Breathe deeply, stretch or meditate.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
- Make time for the things you enjoy.
- Connect with your loved ones on a regular basis.
- Share how you are feeling with people you trust.
- Take breaks from the news when you are feeling down or overwhelmed.
- Get involved in your community.
- Eat well-balanced meals.
- Exercise and get fresh air.
- Incorporate routine preventative measures like vaccines and cancer screenings.
- Check in with your medical provider on a regular basis.
- Get support from loved ones and medical professionals when you are struggling.
- Help others manage times of stress through visits, phone calls and more.
As Mother Teresa said, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
If you recognize any habits that you would like to improve to live your life to the fullest, help is available through Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks.
This confidential, secure platform has countless resources available online for free. From 24/7 on-call counselors to practical tips on subjects like managing grief, connecting with adult children and achieving work-life balance, employees can find what they need, when they need it.
Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000, or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information.
Source: CDC
