National Stress Awareness Day is on April 16, 2021, smack dab in the middle of Stress Awareness Month. It is important to raise awareness about the impact that chronic stress can have on your mental and physical health.
75% of Americans experience high levels of stress every month. These bouts of stress can lead to a physical and mental health decline.
This National Stress Awareness Day, take charge of your wellness. Set forward with a new mindset that you will carry forth throughout the rest of the year, and beyond.
Why Stress Awareness Day Is Important
According to a meta-analysis on stress and physical health, stress plays a role in 75% to 90% of health-related issues.
Chronic stress is linked to:
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Immune System Suppression
- Headaches
- Back and Neck Pain
- Sleep Problems
Highlighting National Stress Awareness Month is important because we all deal with stress. We also allow it to hold us back physically and mentally. Use National Stress Awareness Day as a benchmark to start your wellness journey.
How to Destress Yourself Naturally
Stress is part of life, which is why we have stress hormones. We are meant to be on a somewhat high guard during the day. However, there must be an off switch! Here are some ways to help reduce stress when the pressure gets too much.
1. Deep Breathing Techniques
Imagine yourself in a stressful situation.
Naturally, you tense up. Your shoulders go to your ears, teeth clench, and fists ball up. All the while, you're holding your breath.
Holding your breath is a severe cause of tension. Releasing that breath is the easiest form of stress relief.
4-7-8 deep breathing exercises are excellent for resetting your mindset. Even if you're not currently in a stress state, try this exercise.
- Exhale as much as possible.
- Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds.
- Retain the breath for 7 seconds.
- Exhale for 8 seconds.
- Repeat 4 times.
2. Exercise
Many who experience stress deal with pent-up nervous energy. Exercise is a phenomenal way to burn some of that stress away.
For one, exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins are feel-good hormones that help counteract our stress hormones.
Therefore, exercise gives you an outlet to burn off anxious energy and thanks you by counteracting your stress hormones.
3. Yoga
Yoga is a partial combination of deep breathing and exercise. It's a tool that allows you to check-in with your body by focusing your breath and mind on yoga postures.
Studies show that yoga is a great destresser. It naturally helps lowers lower cortisol levels, while toning the body.
Research also suggests that regular yoga practice can boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that allows for new cell growth. Scientists believe this protein plays a crucial role in memory and learning.
4. Meditation
Yoga is also a good segue into using meditation to destress yourself. Meditation allows you to withdraw all sense and tune into the body.
It's a natural resource that prevents you from dwelling in your daily stress, effectively giving your mind a reset.
Starting meditation can be challenging, especially for those with racing minds. Consider listening to a guided meditation until you are comfortable.
5. Therapy
Chronic stress can be extremely debilitating. Contemplate talking with a professional before the pressure becomes overbearing. However, it's never too late to begin seeking help.
There are numerous types of therapy that might be beneficial, including:
- Talk Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Sound Therapy
- Music Therapy
Attend these sessions with an open mind. The key is to find a mental health program that resonates with you.
6. Better Sleep
Studies show a direct link between chronic stress and insomnia. The brain needs the human body to sleep so it can consolidate the overload of information it acquired that day. This overstimulation is a common cause of stress for many.
Chronic stress promotes the production of stress hormones. Consequently, the human body produces less melatonin, a critical sleep hormone.
Tranquility Labs' Enhanced Melatonin Spray is fortified with melatonin and a proprietary blend of calming botanicals. This all-natural remedy will compliment natural melatonin production and help soothe the mind to promote a stressless night's sleep.
7. Do More Things You Love
Daily stress is caused by factors that demand attention, energy, and strength. Those with chronic stress feel forced to complete tasks that drain them physically and emotionally.
Spend time repairing the damage caused by all of these demands. Do things that bring you happiness and make you feel complete.
8. Massage
There isn't a better day to get a massage than on National Stress Awareness Day. Studies show that human touch can lower stress.
Massage achieves these benefits by:
- Improving Blood Circulation
- Reducing Blood Pressure
- Working Out Tension
- Stretching Tissues That Cause Discomfort
- Boosting Overall Mood
Book yourself a massage during National Stress Awareness Month. Significant others are a great option, too, as long as you're willing to return the favor.
9. Walk in Nature
The human body can't generate Vitamin D. Nor do many of our food sources.
The sun is our primary source of this essential vitamin. Yet, millions of people spend their days indoors, which causes them to miss out on crucial Vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for our feelings of happiness.
Hiking provides your body the exercise necessary to release endorphins and a backdrop that naturally reduces stress.
10. Tranquility Labs' Tranquilene
Tranquility Labs' Tranquilene Total Calm is an all-natural supplement that is fortified to improve serotonin and GABA levels. It includes Vitamin D, tryptophan, and other essential cofactors that promote serotonin production.
This formula also contains GABA and L-Theanine, an amino acid necessary for GABA production. Tranquilene offers daily support that can help with anxious behaviors, racing thoughts, and stress-related mood swings.
Essential Takeaways:
- National Stress Awareness Day is April 16, 2021
- Yoga is an excellent way to combine exercise, meditation, and deep breathing techniques
- Sleep is critical for regulating your stress hormones
- Tranquility Labs’ Tranquilene Total Calm offers daily stress relief support
Bonus Recipe: Tropical Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
Serves 2
1 cup frozen pineapple
3-4 ripe bananas
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
4 capsules Turmeric, opened
1 small knob fresh ginger (1 tsp ground if you don’t have fresh)
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth. Add more juice if a thinner consistency is desired. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
