Stress Awareness Month: Our top tips for reducing stress

April is Stress Awareness Month, and just like so many others, you’re probably already all too aware of your stress. What you might not be aware of, however, are all the ways that stress can affect your life. From poor sleep to problems with cognitive function, stress can really take its toll. This Stress Awareness Month, we’ve put together some of our top tips for reducing stress, so that you can take steps toward improving your stress levels. 

Our Top Tips for Improving Stress

Find movement you enjoystress awareness month

Working out can be a true stress reliever, but for many people, a traditional workout just isn’t enjoyable. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress levels and benefit physical and mental health in countless ways, but if you find that it’s more of a slog than a stress reliever, it might be time to change things up! Consider exploring alternate forms of movement outside of the gym, such as dancing, bike riding, hiking, yoga, or even simply playing outside with your kids. The more you enjoy what you’re doing, the more effective it will be at alleviating your stress. 

stress awareness monthNourish your body

Food and mood are often inextricably linked. While it’s important to eat nutritious foods so your body has everything it needs to keep you going, don’t underestimate how certain foods can make you feel as well. If you have a particular dish that’s associated with happy memories, incorporate that into a day when you could use a mood boost. Making sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need through foods you enjoy eating will help you stay balanced, both mentally and physically.

Practice mindfulness 

When people hear the word “mindfulness,” they often think of traditional meditation, which many find difficult or out of reach. However, mindfulness simply means being fully present in the moment and acknowledging and accepting your thoughts and emotions, rather than pushing them away. Some ways to practice mindfulness without meditation include: 

 

  • Journaling about your feelings and current state of being 
  • Spending time outside being aware of what input your senses are receiving
  • Mindful eating, where you focus on the sensations of what you eat and how your body responds to it

 

This Stress Awareness Month, try beginning a daily mindfulness practice to get in the habit of fully experiencing a moment to keep yourself focused and grounded.

 

Take a breathing break

Another way to include both mindfulness and stress relief into your day is with periodic breathing exercises. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath can help keep you centered and reduce the effects of stress on your body in the moment. One simple breathing exercise to try is box breathing: inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold the breath in your lungs for a count of four, exhale through your mouth for a count of four, and pause with your lungs empty for a count of four. Repeat several times until you feel more centered and relaxed.

 

Integrate CBD into your daily routinestress awareness month

A consistent daily CBD routine can help support overall balance and reduce feelings of stress. CBD works with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), the system responsible for regulating a variety of your body’s systems and functions, including the stress response. By supporting the ECS, Equilibria’s premium full-spectrum CBD, like that found in our Daily Softgels and Daily Drops, can help ease stress and maintain an uplifted mood. 

 

Stress Awareness Month is a great time to begin or fine-tune your daily CBD routine. If you’re just starting out on your CBD journey or want to make the most of your current routine, get in touch with our Certified Wellness Coaches. These CBD experts can help you personalize your CBD routine so you can start to experience less stress, no matter what the day brings.