It’s Stress Awareness Month: Make Your Home Your Haven

Sometimes, it can feel like life is moving at break-neck speed. Stress can come from various sources, but whether it’s juggling work deadlines, the daily grind of home chores, or even sudden and unexpected challenges, it’s important to take some time to slow down and give ourselves a well-deserved break.

Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to help you cope with stress at home.

What is stress?

Stress is a normal part of our lives and we all experience it in very different ways. While there is no single definition for stress, the most common way we experience it is through physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.

However, stress is not always a bad thing. Good stress can be the feeling you get when you go on a first date, ride a rollercoaster, or do some exercise. It inspires and motivates you and gives you a boost of energy. On the other hand, bad stress wears you out and leads to an array of mental and physical health issues.

Why stress awareness matters

A common misconception about stress is that it is only a matter of the mind. However, stress tends to seep into other aspects of our lives including our physical health.

For example, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to headaches, sleep disorders, and stomach issues. It can even contribute to severe issues such as stroke and heart problems. That is why it’s important to know ways we can manage and cope with it. Here are some healthy ways that you can manage stress at home:

Leave stress at the door

Keeping work and your home life separate can be challenging—especially if you’re someone who works remotely. If you’ve just ended a particularly stressful workday, take a moment and a few deep breaths before stepping into your home. By allowing yourself a bit of time to transition your mindset from work to home life, you put yourself in a better headspace and mood before interacting with loved ones.

Make time for fun

It’s always a good idea to enjoy the little things. Simple activities make for a home steeped in happiness. For parents, setting aside time to read to your child, or gathering in the kitchen to make a meal with loved ones. For those of us who have pets, setting aside time to play and spend time with our furry friends is another great way to alleviate stress.

Get everyone to pitch in

Household chores are less stressful when evenly divided among family and everyone pitches in. Splitting housework is also a great way to maintain peace and harmony among family, with fewer arguments over who gets trash duty, yard work, or washing the dishes.

Have meals together

A family that eats together, stays together. Set aside some time to enjoy a meal with your loved ones. This time together provides an opportunity to communicate and bond. It’s important to spend time with your support system, talk about your day, and build stronger relationships.

Connect with others

When life becomes too stressful, your instinct may be to isolate yourself. Try to fight this instinct and reach out to family and friends. Building connections with others is a good stress reliever—it offers distraction, provides support, and helps you tolerate life’s up and downs. So, invite a friend to have a coffee date or reach out to your family for a chat.

Get enough sleep

The quality and amount of sleep you get can affect your mood, energy level, concentration and overall functioning. However, when you have too much to do and think about, stress can keep you from a good night’s sleep. To help you get well-rested, try to establish a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine. Listen to soothing music and stick to a consistent schedule.

Reduce your screen time

Studies show that spending two or more hours of screen time at night can contribute to stress and disrupt sleep patterns. Turning off your electronic devices at least one hour before sleep can help you rest well. You can also try taking a warm bath, reading a book, or meditating before going to bed.

Consider keeping a journal

Writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal can be a good release for otherwise pent-up emotions. Write whatever comes to mind and don’t worry about perfection in grammar or spelling. Let your thoughts flow and once you’re done, toss whatever you wrote down or save it for later to reflect on.

Find an activity that gives you peace

Look for an activity that relaxes you and weave it into your daily routine. You can try doing yoga, knitting, meditating, listening to music, cooking, or gardening.

Get organized and reduce clutter

An organized, tidy house gives you peace of mind and sense of control. When you keep your home organized, you’ll spend less time stressed while looking for misplaced keys, phones, or sunglasses. Cleaning and organizing may sound like a huge undertaking, but it can get easier when you have a checklist.

Learn to say no

If you find yourself struggling to cram too many activities into your schedule, you may need to start saying no to certain commitments. Saying no can be an empowering but simple way of managing your energy levels and honoring your boundaries.

Stop worrying about things outside of your control

Worrying stems from a desire to take control of your life. However, there are many things that are simply out of our control—such as someone else’s behavior or the weather. Find a way to identify and accept what you can’t control—it will help you worry less.

Recognize when you need help

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to seek professional help if these self-care measures aren’t relieving your stress. It may also be a good idea to seek therapy or counseling if you:

• Feel overwhelmed or trapped
• Worry excessively
• Have trouble carrying out daily routines
• Struggle to meet responsibilities at work, home or school

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