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Stress Awareness Month

Published Date
Author Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs (CILP)

What exactly is Stress Awareness Month?  

Stress Awareness Month is observed annually during the month of April. This month’s goal is to promote strategies for managing and reducing stress while also increasing public knowledge of the causes and consequences of stress. The Health Resource Network, a non-profit health education organization in the United States, introduced the awareness month in 1992.

The main objective of Stress Awareness Month is to motivate people to manage their stress. These lifestyle changes can include self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or therapy. Stress Awareness Month strives to enhance general well-being and lessen the damaging effects of stress on people and society.

Stress in Berkeley: what can I Do?

Like many college towns, Berkeley can be a stressful environment due to academic pressures, social expectations, and other factors. Here are some tips for dealing with stress in Berkeley:

  1.  Effectively manage your time by creating a timetable and prioritizing tasks. This can save you from scrambling at the last minute and feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Exercise self-care: Attend to your physical and emotional requirements by obtaining adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and participating in enjoyable and relaxing activities.
  3. Connect with others: Join a club or organization that interests you or ask friends or family for help. Chatting with someone might give you a sense of camaraderie and make you feel less alone.
  4. Get help when necessary: If you’re experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety, contact a mental health professional, or use campus facilities like the Tang Center or University Health Services (UHS). They can offer help, direction, and resources for stress management.
  5. Put stress-relieving strategies into practice: Take part in stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or exercise. You can unwind and manage tension more skillfully with the aid of these techniques (check the yoga classes organized by RSF!).
  6. Have reasonable expectations: Don’t place undue pressure on yourself to perform flawlessly. When things don’t go as planned, be fair to yourself and set reasonable goals. You are doing the best you can.

Remember that stress is a normal part of life and that it’s crucial to look after yourself and seek assistance when necessary. With the right tools and support, you can manage stress and thrive in the busy environment of Berkeley!

The “Did You Know?” section is brought to you by the CILP Program Assistants team covering various topics on social justice issues. This week’s author is Daphné Collombel.