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Stress Awareness Month – Be there for yourself and for others
Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? At YMCA Brunel Group, we believe in the importance of balancing Body, Mind, and Spirit. This is a great way to manage stress, and it can help you to be there for others who are stressed!
Here are some tips on what you can do to re-balance and de-stress:
Body
Exercise helps de-stress. This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym and pound the treadmill (although if that’s your thing, go for it!). A walk is a great place to start and if possible, head out into nature – maybe some woodland, canal path or local park. Physical activity can help in the production of endorphins – these help you feel good!
Mind
Be in the moment and practice mindfulness. This is easier than it sounds – it’s about just trying to really focus on the here and now. Whilst you are making yourself a cup of coffee or tea – really focus on the process, slow it down and enjoy it! A good exercise (especially if you are outside) is to start to focus on the different sensations around you – try and identify 5 different things you can see; then 4 things you can feel; 3 different things you can hear; then focus on 2 different smells and finally identify one taste. There are also lots of free wonderful mindfulness and meditation Apps available that are really worth trying.
Spirit
If you are feeling stressed – try talking to someone, sharing your concerns is a really good way to ease the load of carrying your concerns and worries. If that doesn’t sound like something you are ready to do – try writing them down – start to journal your emotions.
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