April is Stress Awareness Month: Simple Ways to Find Your Calm

Don’t worry, it may be April first but there’s no April Fool’s jokes here. Instead, we want to talk about something serious: stress.

See, stress is a byproduct of everyday life. From hectic work schedules and family commitments to world news and social pressures, it often feels like stress is lurking around every corner. And April (being Stress Awareness Month) is our chance to spotlight the impact of stress on our wellbeing and to share ideas for managing it.

So, consider this your annual reminder to slow down, tune in, and take care of yourself. How? Well, we’ve outlined some helpful exercises to ease tension and a few supplements (easily mixed in a PROMiXX shaker) that might help you find your calm.

Ok, this may sound counterintuitive but a little bit of stress from time to time can actually be helpful. Seriously, it pushes us to perform under tight deadlines or sharpens our focus during tough conversations. The real trouble begins when stress becomes chronic, sticking around for days, weeks, or even years.

Chronic stress can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or burnout. When your mind is constantly in fight-or-flight mode, it’s harder to cope with everyday challenges, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Stress is known to contribute to headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and hormonal imbalances. In some cases, ongoing stress can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

Stress often makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Lack of quality sleep, in turn, amplifies stress the next day - a vicious cycle that’s tough to break without intentional changes to your routine.

Irritability, mood swings, and constant worry can make it difficult to maintain healthy, supportive relationships. Over time, chronic stress can even tear apart friendships or family bonds.

When it comes to battling stress, one of your best weapons is physical activity and mindfulness. Here are some simple but highly effective exercises to try:

Yoga isn’t just about twisting your body into complex poses. Many routines focus on slow, mindful movements and controlled breathing, which help lower cortisol levels. Even 15 minutes of gentle yoga daily can work wonders.

A brisk walk or light jog in the fresh air not only helps clear your head but also releases endorphins. It doesn’t have to be long or intense; just stepping outside for 10–20 minutes can reduce stress levels.

One of the quickest ways to calm your nervous system is through controlled breathing. Try the “4-7- 8” technique: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Do this a few times whenever you feel tension creeping in.

This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body, starting from your toes and working up to your head. By focusing on each group and the contrast between tension and relaxation, you can ground yourself and release built-up strain.

If you sit at a desk for much of the day, stress can show up as stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and back. A few quick stretch breaks throughout the day help alleviate physical tension and give your mind a moment to reset.

Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. Try setting a timer for a few minutes, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breath. When thoughts wander in, gently acknowledge them and return your focus to the breath.

While a balanced diet and regular exercise should always be your foundation, certain supplements can complement a healthy lifestyle and potentially help with stress. Many come in powdered form, making them perfect to blend into smoothies, shakes, or just water using a PROMiXX shaker. Here are some you might want to explore (but be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen):

Essentially a relaxant, magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including those affecting mood and sleep. Powdered magnesium can be mixed with water or juice in a good shaker bottle for a quick, easy boost.

Adaptogens are herbal supplements thought to help the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha is particularly popular, as some studies suggest it may lower cortisol levels. Blend a small scoop of adaptogenic powder into your morning or post-workout shake.

While protein is mostly known for muscle recovery, it also supports overall health. Getting enough protein helps keep blood sugar levels stable, which can indirectly help with stress management. Whey or plant-based protein powders are convenient to mix in your trusty protein shaker for a quick meal or snack.

The B family of vitamins (especially B6, B9, and B12) plays a crucial role in brain function and the creation of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Some powdered supplements include B vitamins along with other nutrients, making them a handy addition to your morning routine.

If you struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables, a daily scoop of a greens blend can provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. Keeping your nutritional bases covered can lessen the impact of stress on your body.

Investing in a reliable shaker bottle like the PURSUIT ECOZEN can be a game-changer, especially when you’re juggling work, exercise, and healthy eating habits. Here’s why it’s a smart pick:

• Quick and Easy Mixing: The silent snap-fit agitator quickly mixes even the clumpiest powders, so you can enjoy a smooth drink on the go.
• Durable Design: All PROMiXX shakers are built with practicality in mind, meaning they can handle life’s bumps - literally.
• Convenient for Busy Lifestyles: If you’re running out the door in the morning or heading to the gym after work, being able to mix your supplements on the spot is invaluable.
• Less Cleanup: Nobody wants to deal with lumps of powder at the bottom of a bottle. But a drop of dishsoap and a shake is all you need to clean a PROMiXX bottle.

Beyond exercise and supplements, there are plenty of other ways to combat stress.

If work demands are overflowing into your personal time or if you’re taking on too many commitments, learn to say “no” politely. It’s an essential skill for preserving your mental health.

Even five minutes of a relaxing activity - like reading a novel, taking a quick walk, or listening to soothing music - can help break up the cycle of daily stress.

Adequate rest is essential for stress management. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep and try to maintain a consistent bedtime routine.

Lean on friends, family, or support groups to share experiences and vent frustrations. Sometimes, simply talking it out can relieve built-up stress.

Writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day helps shift focus to the positive. This simple exercise can improve your mood over time.

April’s Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time to pause and examine how stress may be affecting your life. From the physical dangers of chronic stress to the emotional strain it can place on our relationships, learning to manage stress is crucial. Remember, small lifestyle changes - like incorporating gentle exercises, trying simple mindfulness practices, and adding targeted supplements to your routine - can make a world of difference.