Stress Awareness Month April 2024

Many of us lead lives that have constant activity, be it workload pressures, family pressures or digital distractions, emails pinging, messages pinging, phones ringing. Too often than not it feels like we don’t have time to just breathe and take a moment for ourselves. Does this sound familiar?

It is now more important than ever that we take time, to reconnect with ourselves so we can navigate the stresses of our modern lives and learn how to work with them rather than them working against us. So what better time to challenge ourselves than this Stress Awareness Month to embark on a journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and take ownership of our wellbeing?

Our smartphones are never really out of reach (well mine isn’t) and notifications can bombard us at every turn, so it's crucial we can carve out moments of what I call ‘digital detox’ to recharge and rejuvenate. Stress Awareness Month can be used as an opportunity to unplug, unwind, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment. Doesn’t that sound like a plan?! So why not try setting boundaries for your screen time, engage in offline activities, and immerse yourself in the nature around you? Let’s reconnect with God’s awesome creation! When was the last time you did that?

Whilst technology can sometimes contribute to our stress levels, it can also be a positive tool for promoting our mindfulness and wellbeing. Why not explore some Christian meditation apps, there are some really good ones around that offer something for everyone: prayer ideas, readings and specific meditations. You may find breathing exercises help you to relax too and also relaxation podcasts may help incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. There is a wealth of digital resources available to support all individual personal journeys. Of course, if you are like me the good old-fashioned reading of a book can help you to relax and enjoy the moment!

Stress Awareness Month is not just about our individual self-care – it's also an opportunity for us to connect with others, share each other's experiences, and build a supportive community at the same time. You could also maybe look at joining an online forum. By fostering connections and sharing our own insights with each other we can create a network of support and encouragement to help us to navigate life's stresses together. Sharing is good, it’s positive and enabling, which in turn improves our wellbeing and mental health.

Self-care is essential because it helps us to manage our stress and so promotes our wellbeing. You can experiment with different tools and techniques to discover what works best for you and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Now that really is a challenge! Are you up for it?

As we navigate the complexities of our modern lives, it's important to remember that stress is a natural part of our human experience. By embracing Stress Awareness Month and thinking about the stresses we are dealing with, we can use it as an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and renewal. We can cultivate both the resilience and inner peace we need to allow us to thrive in today's fast-paced and challenging world.

So, during this Stress Awareness Month, challenge yourself to take a deep breath, embrace the power of the present moment, connect with yourself, connect with God, connect with others and always remember that in the midst of the chaos, the Holy Spirit’s tranquility awaits. Now that really is something worth thinking about.

#StressAwarenessWeek #DigitalWellness #MindfulLiving #Wellbeingisbiblical