National Stress Awareness Day

🧘‍♀️ National Stress Awareness Day 🧘‍♂️

✨ Life gets busy, and stress can sneak up on us all. But there are simple ways to handle it! Here are a few positive steps you can take to help manage stress effectively, plus some things to avoid that may make it worse. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential!

DO:

🌿 Move Your Body: Exercise is a natural stress reliever! Take a walk, stretch, or join a class like Broadway Boogie or HIITMIX to shake off tension and boost endorphins.

🌈 Connect with Others: Reach out to a friend, family member, or even a fitness buddy. Talking things through can lighten your load.

💤 Prioritise Rest: Stress feels more intense when we’re exhausted. Try for a good sleep routine to recharge.

💧 Hydrate & Nourish: Sometimes, we forget to eat well and drink enough water. Fueling yourself with balanced meals helps your body handle stress better.

DON’T:

🚫 Bottling It Up: Avoid suppressing stress or letting it build up. Find a healthy outlet – maybe dance it out at one of our classes!

🚫 Overdoing the Caffeine or Sugar: These can spike energy but cause crashes, which can add to stress. Keep these to a minimum if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

🚫 Scrolling Nonstop: Getting lost in social media can add to stress. Try putting the phone down and spending some time away from screens.

🚫 Skipping Exercise: When you’re stressed, moving your body might feel like a big ask, but even a small amount of movement can really help you feel better.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Take a moment to breathe, move, and connect – you’ve got this! 💪💥

When Supporting Someone Who’s Stressed:

💬 Say This:

1. “I’m here for you. Let me know how I can help.” 🤝 – This shows support without pressure.

2. “It’s okay to feel like this. You’re not alone.” 💖 – Validating their feelings can make a big difference.

3. “Would you like to talk about it? I’m here to listen.” 👂 – Offering a listening ear can be very comforting.

4. “You’ve handled tough times before, and I believe in you.” 💪 – Reminding them of their strength can boost confidence.

5. “Let’s take things one step at a time.” 🧩 – Helping them focus on small, manageable steps can relieve overwhelm.

❌ Avoid Saying This:

1. “Calm down. It’s not that big of a deal.” 🚫 – This can feel dismissive and minimise their feelings.

2. “Everyone gets stressed. Just deal with it.” 😕 – This can make them feel like their feelings are invalid.

3. “At least it’s not as bad as [something else].” ⚖️ – Comparing can make them feel like they shouldn’t be upset.

4. “Why are you getting so worked up about this?” 🧐 – This sounds critical and may lead to guilt or defensiveness.

5. “Just think positively, and it’ll be fine.” 🌈 – While positivity can help, this can come off as dismissing the complexity of their feelings.

When supporting someone, remember that empathy 🤗, understanding 💙, and patience 🕰️ are key. Letting them know they’re seen, heard, and not alone can be the best support.

#StressAwareness #MentalWellness #HealthyHabits