Stress Awareness

By: Alison Cardoza • Photography by Matt Johnson • Sponsored 

April marks Stress Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of devoting a month to promoting stress awareness and understanding its profound impact on our daily lives. By encouraging open discussions, we gain a deeper understanding of stress’s debilitating effects and its potential to lead to severe health issues, ultimately transforming the lives of those around us in a positive way. Stress does not merely afflict your mind; it can also affect you on a cellular level. Long-term stress can lead to a wide range of illnesses. stomach disorders, headaches, and depression are just to name a few. If stress is not controlled, it can even increase the risk of serious conditions like stroke and heart disease. 

3 Types of Stress- 

Acute stress is usually brief. It can be triggered by traffic jams, crowds, or uncomfortable situations. 

Episodic Stress occurs over time with repeated, short term stress responses. It can last for months or even years. 

Chronic stress is the most harmful type of stress. It is a prolonged state of physiological or psychological response to long term stressors. 

Ways to Cope with Stress- 

Exercise and aim to do 30 minutes of cardio a day. Weight training twice a week is beneficial as well. 

Eat healthy and aim to eat small meals that consist of protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy carbs. Stay hydrated consuming 64 oz of water a day. 

Sleep and aim to get 6-8 hours a night. Relax and meditate throughout the day. 

Havening® is a therapy that uses touch, eye movements, and other sensory inputs to reduce stress. Havening® is a safe psychosensory therapy designed to help people reduce distressing emotions using the power of touch. Havening® is often used to help individuals with PTSD, phobias, anxiety, and negative or traumatic memories. It can even be used for envisioning, goal setting, and promoting a sense of positivity as well. The Havening touch nurtures a sensation of safety and calm. Afterall, the word “Haven,” means to put into a safe place. During a session, the certified practitioner verbally guides the client through specific protocols. The client uses their hands to apply a soothing touch to their face, arms, and palms. The session typically consists of recalling a stressful or unwanted feeling, then applying a soothing touch, while the practitioner uses distractions and other techniques to change how memories are stored in the brain, reducing emotional impact. Ellie Potts, certified Yoga instructor, Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner, and Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach is educated in these techniques and practices at Baptist Milestone. To learn more, contact Ellie at elliepottscoaching@gmail.com and release your stress today. 

Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.