A Moment to Destress
April is Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a chronic issue in our country and it's not surprising why. The demands we place on ourselves and each other along with the multitude of issues our country is facing that directly impact our lives, has many of us in varying states of stress. But there are ways we can manage these stressors and learn to take our mental health back. We're going to talk about a few of them today.
10 MINDFULNESS TIPS TO HELP DESTRESS
- Create a space for home, work, or school that helps ground you from your tasks.
- Download a mindfulness app that works for you that allows you to keep track of meditation and tracks your stress.
- Create a bed-time routine and get 7-8 hours of sleep to allow your mind and body to rest and get plenty of sleep
- Take 1-minute brain breaks throughout the day
- Manage energy, not time
- Enjoy restorative practices at your local YMCA, like yoga, Tai Chi, or stretching yourself, focusing on breathing.
- Choose healthy nutrition and eat mindfully throughout your meal or snack time
- Take a mindful walk in nature on the Warlick Y Sytz Trail System and enjoy the great outdoors in the fresh air.
- Take care of your body - exercise regularly, take deep breaths, stretch, meditate or pray to help relieve tension and anxiety.
- Connect with Others - Remind yourself that you are not alone during this time. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Destress with a Mental Health Professional
Take a step to understand yourself and your behavioral health. Stowe Family YMCA and Warlick Family YMCA have integrated Kintegra to provide free behavioral health services:
- Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol
- Academics, ADHD, alcohol use, anxiety, attention, behavior, diet, depression, development, energy level, memory, mood, relationships, sleep, stress, substance use, tobacco use, weight, and linkage to community resources.
Stress Management Office Hours
Stowe Family YMCA Services Offered:
Wednesday, 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm & Thursday, 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Warlick Family YMCA Services Offered:
Tuesdays, 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm & Wednesdays, 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Ideas for Combating Stress
Personal Training is a great way to keep track of your physical fitness and help destress. Personal trainers are certified and knowledgeable about designing a program that fits to your goals and schedule without added stress to you.
Yoga provides a moment to deStress and is offered on the YMCA class schedule, and is free to all members. Yoga helps relieve stress, tension, and anxiety through connection to breath, meditation, and practicing non-judgment of ourselves and others.
By Danika Reid, Wellness Director Warlick YMCA on April 1, 2023. Contact Danika Reid at dreid@gastonymca.org with questions or for more information.
Stress Awareness Month – April 2020 - The American Institute of Stress