Ah, April! The month when flowers decide to flaunt their colors, birds practice their karaoke skills, and the weather throws a surprise party every other day. Oh, and let’s not forget: April isn't just about spring flowers, National Library Week, and tax season panic—it's also Stress Awareness Month! That’s right, a whole month is officially dedicated to being aware that we are stressed. (Because screaming into your pillow at 3 a.m. wasn’t awareness enough.)
A whole month just to remind us that we’re all running around like headless chickens under pressure! As if we needed a designated month to become "aware" of the stress that's been living rent-free in our minds all year. But before you roll your eyes and reach for your third cup of stress coffee, hear us out: Stress Awareness Month isn’t just about acknowledging your stress. It’s about dealing with it — with a little humor, a dash of self-care, and maybe a coloring book designed for grownups who have no idea how they got this many responsibilities.
What Is Stress Awareness Month, Anyway?
Originally observed in 1992 (aka: the pre-social media era), Stress Awareness Month was established to help us figure out how stress messes with our health and how to steer clear of becoming a jittery, caffeine-fueled bundle of burnout.
The plan? Pause. Breathe. And finally crack open that guided journal you bought three years ago because the cover was just too cute to resist.
Every April since 1992, we've had all these years to realize just how stressed we are. During this month, health professionals and wellness wizards unite to spread the word about what causes stress, how it affects us, and, most importantly, how to manage it without turning into a human maraca.
Symptoms of Stress (AKA: You Might Be Stressed If…)
Your eye twitches every time someone says “Zoom call.”
You’ve eaten an entire bag of “stress snacks” while telling yourself it's okay because they were organic.
You yell “I’M FINE” through clenched teeth at your cat.
Your search history includes “Is it normal to cry during a spreadsheet?”
If any of these apply, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Stress is a universal experience, kind of like taxes and laundry, but with fewer helpful YouTube tutorials.
We're All in This Stress Soup Together
Let's be honest—modern life feels like being enrolled in an Olympic sport nobody signed up for. Your inbox is reproducing faster than rabbits, your to-do list has more sequels than Fast & Furious, and somehow, you're expected to get eight hours of sleep, drink a gallon of water, and "live your best life" while doing it all.
As the great philosopher T-shirt once said: "I Can't Adult Today." Never has a piece of cotton spoken such profound truth.
Affiliate Disclosure: Heads up! This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you click and buy something (like a journal, a stress-relief coloring book, or a T-shirt that says “I Can’t. I’m Overwhelmed.”), we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It helps fund our own snack therapy and keeps us from stress-buying 47 more mugs we don’t need. Clicking the images below will redirect you to the product shopping page. Thanks for supporting our slightly chaotic, adrenaline-fueled content!
Stress Management: More Than Just Breathing into a Paper Bag
The beauty of Stress Awareness Month is that it reminds us there are actual strategies to manage stress beyond screaming into your pillow. Here are some approaches that don't involve giving up your day job to become a hermit in the mountains (though we've all considered it).
Journaling: Therapy, but in a Notebook
You don’t have to be a poet or a philosopher. Just grab a journal and write whatever is on your mind. Bonus points if it’s one of those guided journals with prompts like “What would your life be like if you said ‘no’ to that extra project?” (Answer: Less crying.)
Try daily journaling even for five minutes – because five minutes is all you have between meetings or classes, anyway.
Dear Diary, Today My Stress Ghosted Me
Remember when you kept a diary as a teenager filled with angst and terrible poetry? Turns out that wasn't just a phase—it was training for adulthood stress management! Journaling helps process emotions and clear mental clutter. Plus, your journal never interrupts you or tells you to "calm down."
Consider journaling to relieve stress. It's like therapy, but your journal doesn't charge $200 an hour or ask how you feel about it. You can also use gratitude journals to write about the things you are grateful for, helping you achieve a more positive state of mind. E.g. Daily Gratitude Journal: Dot Grid Pages with Prompts to Write, Sketch, Reflect and be Thankful or Daily Gratitude Journal with Prompts
Adult Coloring Books: Because Scribbling Outside the Lines Is Still Therapeutic
Who knew that reclaiming your kindergarten pastime would become a legitimate stress-relief technique? Adult coloring books have exploded in popularity, and for good reason—they're mindfulness in disguise. There's something deeply satisfying about filling in a mandala while your brain temporarily forgets about your credit card bill. Honestly, coloring books are fun at any age!
Adult coloring books are stress relief in disguise. Mandalas, pattern coloring, words in cursive, or cats wearing space helmets — there's something oddly soothing about filling in the lines while pretending your to-do list doesn’t exist. Some coloring books are particularly good for those moments when you're one email away from throwing your laptop out the window.
Diet: Because Stress-Eating Ice Cream Actually Has Scientific Backing (Sort Of)
While we're not advocating for demolishing a pint of Ben & Jerry's every time your boss sends an email marked "urgent," there is something to be said for nutrition's impact on stress. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates can actually help regulate stress hormones.
The book "This Is Your Brain on Food" by Dr. Uma Naidoo explores the fascinating connection between diet and mental health. Turns out, that chocolate craving might be your body's sophisticated SOS signal! Try a simple Meal Planner notebook to plan what to eat.
Snack Therapy: Carbs Are a Hug from the Inside
Look, I’m not saying eat your feelings. I’m just saying stress looks a lot less scary with a slice of avocado toast or a cupcake that sparkles.
Try a calming tea (like chamomile) or, let’s be honest, something chocolate-covered. Yes, dark chocolate is an antioxidant. No, we will not be taking questions.
Meal planner notebooks are like magic wands for your weekly menu! Sure, you could use an app, but where's the fun in typing when you can unleash your inner calligrapher and scribble notes like a 5-year-old on a sugar rush? Plus, who doesn't love the thrill of accidentally writing down 'spaghetti' three days in a row while discovering a new art style called ‘abstract grocery list’!
Movement: Not Just for People Who Actually Enjoy Burpees
Exercise releases endorphins, which are like nature's stress vaccines. And contrary to what Instagram fitness influencers would have you believe, you don't need to do a CrossFit WOD to reap the benefits. A simple walk, dance party in your kitchen, or stretch session can shift your mood faster than you can say "cortisol." Any day can be a merry fitmas day!
Try Yoga: it's like stretching without the risk of pulling a muscle while attempting to touch your toes—because who needs that kind of drama? Relax, exercise, and avoid turning into a pretzel! Sport a Yoga tshirt or a tank top featuring a yoga graphic—because nothing says 'I'm ready to stretch' quite like looking fashionable while pretending to focus on being a human pretzel!
Check out this book series, Forever Fit Scientifically from Ashish Lal, if you need help starting with your fitness regime, from diet to exercise.
Pets: The Unpaid Emotional Support Staff
Let’s be real: your pet is probably the only member of your household who doesn’t contribute to your stress levels. In fact, they’re out here doing the most to keep you sane.
🐾 Dogs will force you to go outside, look at trees, and maybe even exercise (rude, but helpful).
😼 Cats offer meditative purring, majestic vibes, and the occasional slap of wisdom.
🐠 Fish are like living lava lamps — hypnotic and judgment-free.
🦜 Birds will scream at you to hydrate. It's... surprisingly effective.
Science even agrees: petting an animal can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost oxytocin (the “awww” hormone).
So yes, having a pet = emotional support with fur, feathers, or fins. They don’t even care about your to-do list. They just want snacks. Same, honestly.
Grounding & Gardening: Touch Grass, Literally
Sometimes, the best way to get out of your head is to get into the dirt. Enter: grounding and gardening. Whether you're barefoot in the backyard or gently whispering to your succulents like they’re your coworkers, nature has a way of calming the chaos.
Grounding (also called earthing) is basically just stepping outside and letting your feet touch actual earth — not your tiled kitchen floor while holding a microwave burrito. Studies suggest it can reduce inflammation, lower stress, and remind you that you're part of something bigger than that email thread from hell.
And gardening? It’s therapy with tomatoes. Pull weeds, water plants, and pretend each stubborn dandelion is a deadline you're releasing from your soul. Bonus: you get herbs, veggies, and bragging rights at brunch.
Even if you’ve only got a balcony or a windowsill, a few pots and a tiny trowel can be a major mood upgrade. Plus, it’s harder to spiral when you're elbow-deep in potting soil.
T-Shirts That Say or Express What You’re Thinking
If you can’t scream your feelings out loud, let your wardrobe do it for you. Imagine graphic tees with funny slogans or cute images, motivational or emotional, like one with a cat and laser eyes, or funny sayings. Nothing expresses quite like a shirt that screams how you feel. With these treasures in your closet, you’re not just in style; you’re showcasing your funny side!
Stress, ironically, is like therapy's quirky cousin who shows up uninvited. If you can’t yell your feelings into a pillow, just let your wardrobe take the stage!
Wearing your stress ironically is a form of therapy. Probably.
Real Talk: When to Seek Help
While it’s good to laugh, let’s get serious for one second. If your stress feels constant, overwhelming, or starts impacting your daily life, it’s worth reaching out for support. Whether it’s therapy, support groups, or simply telling your best friend “I’m not okay,” getting help is a strength — not a weakness.
In Conclusion: Stress Happens, But It Doesn't Have to Be the Boss of You
Stress Awareness Month isn't about eliminating stress entirely (which is basically impossible), but rather about developing a healthier relationship with it. Sometimes stress is actually useful—it's what kept our ancestors from becoming lion snacks and what helps us meet important deadlines today.
So this April, become aware of your stress, give it a little nod of acknowledgment, maybe even a name, and then show it who's really in charge with your coloring book, crafting activity, word scramble, journal, motivational t-shirt, and stress relief activities.
Because at the end of the day, the most powerful stress management technique might just be humor—and the ability to laugh at the beautiful mess that is being human.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing chronic stress or mental health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. We believe in journaling and coloring books—but also in therapy when needed.
----
Website: https://www.rstcreative.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rstcreativeblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rstcreativeblog
Comments
Post a Comment