April is Stress Awareness Month: Learn to calm your mind when you feel stressed.

We usually feel stressed when we’re afraid of something that might happen at work, home, or in general. These non-life-threatening triggers fool our body into believing we’re under attack. We might respond by pulling back and withdrawing or fighting back. When this happens, it’s helpful to remember that you are safe. You don’t need to solve the problem right now. Your only job is to help your body calm down

Here are a few ways to calm down when you begin to feel stressed:¹

Go somewhere quiet.

This allows you focus and hear what’s going on in your head. Take deep breaths for about a minute. Notice any thoughts that come. Let them pass.

Clear your calendar.

A busy schedule can make you feel stressed and anxious. Schedule free time, even a few minutes in the day, week or weekend to reduce stress. Free time is just as important as your work and social commitments.

Do something with your hands.

Focus your attention on journaling, baking, gardening, drawing or anything active. This will help calm your mind and reduce stress.

We can help.

Learning to relax during stressful times takes plenty of practice. Your body will always tell you when you need to take a break. The hard part is learning to listen! Learn to Live’s Stress, Anxiety & Worry program will help you identify your fears and stress. You will learn how to deal with the thoughts and activities that are keeping you stressed or anxious.

Get started today at learntolive.com/welcome/ndmedexp.

¹ 5 Ways I Calm Down When I’m Feeling Triggered (themighty.com)