During the month of April, in observance of Stress Awareness Month, The Family Institute at Northwestern University will be sharing resources and insight from our experts to shed light and raise awareness surrounding the negative impact of stress.
According to the American Psychological Association's annual Stress in America report, 27% of all adults said that they're so stressed that they can't function. While stress can come in many forms, some of the negative impacts can include detrimental feelings such as sadness or numbness, trouble concentrating, problems sleeping, physical reactions such as headaches or stomach problems, a worsening of chronic illness or mental health issues, and even an increase in substance use.
What is the solution? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following healthy ways to cope with stress:
- Take a break from the news
- Take care of your body through eating healthy, getting a good night's sleep, and regular movement
- Avoid substance use such as drinking and smoking
- Keep up with your health appointments
- Make time to unwind through activities you enjoy such as meditation
- Connect with loved ones
Stress Awareness Resources
The Family Institute website is full of resources to help you manage the negative impacts of stress: