The Friday Five – National Stress Awareness Month
Follow and join the conversation with #StressAwarenessMonth.
A new study referenced by Newsweek concludes that more Americans than ever before suffer from stress, depression, and anxiety. The article states that, “based on analysis of federal government figures from 2006 to 2014, the study found that around 8.3 million people suffer from some form of serious psychological distress, which is defined as a mental health problem serious enough to require medical treatment.” The study, published in the journal Psychiatric Services, coincides with the month’s observance – Stress Awareness Month. This week’s Friday Five seeks to shed some light on the subject and offer some advice on how to handle daily stress and anxiety.
10 Ways to Celebrate National Stress Awareness Month
We love this simple list of ideas from author, and self proclaimed “World Authority on Complaining,” Will Bowen (@WRBowen) to help celebrate National Stress Awareness Month. Each item on the list is something that can be implemented easily and immediately into your daily routines. Some are just a basic change in how you see things. And speaking from experince, number one on the list truly works!
2017’s Most & Least Stressed States
Have you ever been on vacation and wondered why you live where you do and not someplace like that? WalletHub (@wallethub) shows us that when it comes to stress, geography really does make a difference. WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 33 key indicators of stress to determine the places to avoid and achieve a more relaxing life. Click on the map below to see where your state ranks:
Why you need to stop feeling guilty for leaving work on time
Somewhere along the line it became commonplace to work overtime – all of the time. It is almost seen as a badge of honor to work long, crazy hours. But study after study shows what we all know to be true, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and also Jill for that matter. In addition to becoming boring, those who work long days are doing themselves and their job performance a disservice. Unfortunately, some companies value employees who push themselves to the brink but thankfully others encourage a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. These seven companies choose to alleviate their employees stress rather than add to it.
25 Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Health
Stress may be to blame for minor and in some cases major health related conditions. Experts can trace everything from pimples to strokes back to stress. According to Health.com (@goodhealth) “about 70% of doctor visits and 80% of serious illnesses may be exacerbated or linked to stress.” The good news is knowledge is power and maybe this article will provide some insight and advice about what ails you.
The Positive Effects of Stress
Quit feeling stressed about your stress! HealthGuidance.org puts a positive spin on stress and how it can actually help us in some instances rather than harm us. There is even a term for smaller amounts of positive stress – ‘eustress’. Take a minute to look at the brighter side of stress. Seeing the other side of things may in and of itself help you gain control of those stressful moments.
BONUS: They Say Laughter is the Best Medicine
Check out this collection of cartoons from Garfield, a cat too lazy to be stressed.
Confront your #stress triggers. (Where’s Odie?) #StressAwarenessMonth #StressAwarenessday #ihatemondays #CatsOfTwitter https://t.co/8AMlUwHJrX
— Garfield (@Garfield) April 19, 2017
ICYMI – Our other Friday Fives.
