April is Stress Awareness Month. This past year has certainly taught us the importance of learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with different situations. Healthy coping strategies can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.

The American Psychological Association found in 2017 the most common sources of stress reported among Americans were the “future of our nation” (63%), money (62%), work (61%), political climate (57%), and violence/crime (51%).

One technique that experts recommend to address stress is to have a specific 30-day challenge. This challenge encourages you to do one action for your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing every day. This challenge can help you find ways to cope with your own stresses and may also provide helpful strategies in changing your mindset and outlook on stress.

The 3 important self-care practices to consider are:

• Exercise Move every day for 10 minutes or more to boost your serotonin levels, feel a sense of accomplishment, and improve your energy.
• Practice Healthy Boundaries Learn to say no to the things that diminish the quality of your life. These might include media, food, people, and unhelpful activities.
• Set a Routine Make time in your schedule for taking care of the things that are important to you including work, play, and rest. Establish a regular sleep schedule.
• Make sure to incorporate at least one relaxing and rewarding thing once a week.