April is national Stress Awareness Month and most, if not all, have already experienced some type of stress this 2026, probably for a variety of reasons.
So, just how does stress affect me really?
For starters, there are a lot of dangers to leaving stress unchecked like decline in a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, and changes in their behavior and mood. Stress affects every system in the body, and consequences from long-term stress can lead to heart attack, stroke, weakened immune system, or significant changes in weight and appearance.
Symptoms of stress often look like irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and insomnia.
Calming the “Stress Beast” inside
Most of us could close our eyes right now and come up with 5-10 stressors in our life. Luckily, there are some simple tips and tricks to practice when life feels out of control and the landscape looks off kilter.
1) It’s easier said than done but letting go of the anger we hold against others can be a major stress reliever. Anger, bitterness, and resentment are the top three soul killers.
2) Sometimes just taking a moment to sit in silence with a warm mug of tea can be the perfect balm for an anxious soul. Life has a tendency to feel like it is flying by and spending time in reflective solitude just might be the recharge your thoughts are craving.
3) Music fans know getting lost in the beat of a favorite song or letting the lyrics speak to you, releases angsts untold.
4) Imaginative types look to creating works of art or writing down their thoughts to decompress. Even if you never send it, the act of writing out one’s feelings is often cathartic enough to significantly reduce anxiety and stress. Studies show no actual talent is needed to enjoy this benefit—just snag a pack of Crayola’s and a jumbo coloring book and you can be halfway to nirvana.
5) If you have something weighing on your mind medically, get it checked out. If a person or circumstance is weighing you down, address it. Life is too short to spend your best years wandering in the valley of uncertainty.
6) Pet an animal. Studies conducted by college students suggest just ten minutes spent engaged in petting an animal result in reduction of cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. One does not even need to own a pet of their own, as studies indicate similar relief can be found through volunteering at an animal shelter or by just borrowing a friend’s pet for the afternoon.
7) Swapping a to do list with a friend when yours is feeling a little too overwhelming can be beneficial for both parties. Focusing on another’s tasks, while taking a break from dealing with one’s own, can provide a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
8) A familiar refrain uttered by mental health professionals is to limit your social media! Most suggest no more than 25 minutes of scrolling per day.
9) Options to take your mind off social media include exercise, time spent engaged in leisure activities, and taking advantage of the calming influence of time spent alone in nature. Experts promote combining listening to music with exercise for added stress relieving benefits. Research shows a ten-minute walk around the block immediately lowers anxiety levels while boosting serotonin levels. Produced by the body, serotonin naturally induces feelings of being calm and happy—giving serotonin the affectionate nickname of the “brain’s reward system.”
10) Research shows the act alone of tidying up our personal spaces can be cathartic.
11) It may sound simple but cancel something already! When obligations start to feel like obligations, it might be time to consider removing one or two from your responsibility.
12) Aromatherapy to diffuse stress is effective for a lot of people. Typically, scents like ylang ylang, lavender, chamomile, bergamot and frankincense are chosen for their calming properties.
13) Don’t forget to smile! Studies show smiling relieves stress while releasing endorphins. A smile from others has also been shown to flood one’s system with happy feelings.
Once we recognize the cause of our stress, it is easier to identify the best remedies to counteract the anxiety and inner turmoil stress brings. Old-fashioned remedies are still best and focusing on mental health, physical wellness and getting plenty of sleep is often the best medicine we have available.