Happy April, kings. In case you didn’t know, April is National Stress Awareness Month. Let’s take this as an opportunity to reflect on our mental health and recognize the serious impact stress has on our minds and bodies. As men, we’ve been conditioned from a young age to “man up” and ignore any signs of stress to avoid being perceived as weak. The truth is, acknowledging your stress and realizing when you need to take a breather is the opposite of weak; it’s a sign of courage and strength. Stress can creep into our life from any extenuating circumstance – work, family, relationships. No matter what is weighing heavy on your mind, there are ways to effectively manage your stress and take control of your life. In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, let’s have an open conversation about the importance of addressing your stress head-on and how we can ease our mind with practical strategies. 

The Importance of Stress Management

Stress is a natural and inevitable part of life, and nothing to be ashamed of. However, letting your stress go too far can have long-term effects that disrupt your daily life. Chronic stress not only takes a toll on your mental well-being, but can be detrimental to your physical health – leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, poor sleep, and headaches. Leaving our stress unchecked brings serious consequences down the line. It’s crucial to take matters into your own hands before it’s too late. 

Warning Signs of Stress

Oftentimes, we’re not even aware of how stressed we are and let the warning signs of stress fly under the radar. Our mind, body, and behavior indicate there’s an underlying problem before we even recognize what we’re going through. Tension in our neck, irritability, and procrastination are all telltale signs something is wrong. If you’ve noticed these changes in your life, it’s time to take a step back and discover what the root cause is. 

Take Action & Address Your Stress

Recognizing your stress is one important part of the equation, but taking action and addressing your stress is another. Let’s dive into actionable strategies to incorporate into your daily life to relieve stress. 

1. The Power of Exercise

Don’t underestimate the power exercise has on your mental health – exercise releases endorphins, the “feel good” chemical that boosts your mood. You don’t have to become a bodybuilder or train for a marathon to reap the rewards of exercise. A hike or 30 minutes at the gym truly makes all the difference in our mood and overall mental health. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and move your body. 

2. Mindfulness is Key

Stress activates our nervous system into high gear – increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Practicing mindfulness is key to reset, calm, and relax our body. Setting aside a few minutes each day to journal or meditate does wonders to reduce high levels of stress and anxiety. 

3. Reach Out for Support

When we’re dealing with an overwhelming amount of stress, it’s common to feel alone and isolated. Remember, you are not alone – your loved ones and mental health professionals are there to support you during difficult times. Give someone a call when the going gets tough and feel the weight lift off your shoulders after. 

National Stress Awareness Month serves as a reminder to reflect on our own stress levels and encourage other men in our life to do the same. Break the stigma surrounding mental health, start the conversation, and prioritize stress management – today and every day.