Stress is a part of everyone’s lives whether we like it or not. It’s a part of everyone’s lives so much so that since 1992 every April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month.

Without a doubt, stress takes a huge toll on us each and every day whether it’s physically, mentally and emotionally. There isn’t one specific way we experience stress but here are a few ways to help cope with your stress.

Make sure you are prioritizing quality sleep! 

Stress alone takes a toll on our bodies but poor quality of sleep can be just as draining on our bodies. That is why we should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each and every night. This will help avoid stress, especially chronic stress.

Drink your water! 

We don’t realize the effect and importance that water has on our bodies but especially our health and overall mood. When our bodies become dehydrated, our energy levels, being able to concentrate, and our physical abilities can decrease throughout the day. Ways to hit your water intake can be to set reminders on your phone for every 30 minutes, drink at least a cup of water or every hour have a personal goal of how much water you want to intake.

Last but maybe most importantly, KeepMoving! 

You might have guessed it, but staying active doesn’t just impact our physical abilities. Physical activity also impacts our brain health in a big way. Regular exercise helps keep our brain and minds constantly sharpening our learning and  thinking skills. Staying active also goes hand in hand with the above points as well. Regular, physical activity has been shown to improve sleep quality and drinking water helps your ability in whatever you are doing to stay active. Whether it’s a walk around a park, playing a sport, or just throwing a frisbee for your dog, be sure to KeepMoving!

No matter what you do to cope with your stress, don’t forget to smile! Treat yourself with kindness and positivity, you deserve it each and every day! Take each day as it comes, know you can handle whatever comes your way and above all else… KeepMoving!

Written by Corey Cargill, ccargill@ymcaokc.org