Read: Stress Awareness Tips for Nonotuck Staff

April is Stress Awareness Month, and Nonotuck is encouraging all members of our community to reflect upon stress: how it affects your life, and how we can combat it. Below, we've outlined physical, mental, and lifestyle-related methods to manage stress. 

Don’t see your favorite method listed? Email us and we’ll include it!

Physical Methods

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, running, yoga, or swimming, can significantly reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, pranayama, or guided breathing exercises help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and meditation can help center thoughts and reduce anxiety, bringing about a state of calm.
• Nonotuck has partnered with Insight Timer, the world’s no.1 meditation app for sleep, stress and anxiety Insight Timer @Work unlocks the largest and most diverse content library there is – that’s 100,000 guided meditations, courses and playlists from the world’s leading mindfulness teachers and musicians. You’ll get to experience powerful practices led by experts from a diverse range of cultures, languages and backgrounds, including leading neuroscientists and clinical psychologists, inspiring practitioners of the monastic traditions and influential professors from the Universities of Oxford, Harvard and Stanford. Use your Nonotuck email address to set up your free Insight Timer account today!

Mental/Emotional Methods

• Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and reduce stress.

• Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies or activities one enjoys can serve as a distraction from stressors and enhance feelings of joy and fulfillment.

• Social Support: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer new perspectives on stressful situations.

Lifestyle Methods

• Time Management: Effective time management techniques, including prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and taking breaks, can help reduce work-related stress.

• Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can impact one's mood and energy levels, contributing to overall stress reduction.

• Adequate Sleep: Ensuring sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for stress management. Establishing a regular sleep routine can improve one's ability to handle stress.
• Digital Detox: Taking regular breaks from electronic devices and social media can help lower stress levels and improve mental health.
• Mindful Breathing or Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness or engaging in mindful breathing exercises throughout the day can reduce acute stress and increase feelings of calm.
• Nature Therapy: Spending time in nature, whether it's a park, the countryside, or a forest, can lower stress levels, improve moods, and enhance mental well-being.

Choosing the right stress relief method depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and the specific sources of stress. It may be beneficial to try a combination of techniques to see what works best for you.