April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of daily pressures and explore healthier ways to manage them. While stress is a common part of daily life, experts say many people lack the tools they need to cope effectively.
Whether it’s school assignments, work commitments or maintaining a social life, many people juggle multiple responsibilities. As a result, stress can accumulate and take a toll on both mental and physical health.
Adam Borland, a licensed clinical psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic, explains that we often go on “autopilot” without recognizing the sources of stress in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of taking a step back to assess how it affects us emotionally and physically.
Borland encourages focusing on a healthy daily routine instead of defaulting to unhealthy outlets, emphasizing that a balanced approach to self-care is key to mitigating stress. His advice includes eating regular meals, staying active, and ensuring quality sleep to recharge the body and mind.
“I often encourage my patients to engage in meditation or some sort of deep breathing exercise,” Borland says.
Borland also shares that just as important as physical health are social connections, which are crucial for reducing stress. Staying in touch with friends and family, and making time for creative activities can provide significant relief.
“Whether it’s going to the pool [or] pulling out a book that has nothing to do with school, I think that the most important thing to do is to remember I still need self care,” says Nicolette Esper, a junior at Florida International University.
Borland adds that it’s important to assess your stress levels and prioritize self-care.
“We always want to take a step back and get a sense of where my stress level is right now and what I can do to prioritize self-care,” he says.
During high-stress times, Borland also suggests practicing gratitude as a powerful tool for shifting your mindset. Taking a step back, breathing, and focusing on what’s working instead of what’s weighing you down can make a significant difference, he says.
