Navigating Stress: Expert Tips from Dr. Leana Wen

April marks National Stress Awareness Month, a perfect time to explore ways to manage and reduce stress. CNN is here to help with their Stress, But Less newsletter, offering a six-part mindfulness guide designed to inspire and support you. By subscribing, you can learn effective strategies to harness and alleviate stress, enhancing your overall well-being during these challenging times.

Stress is often described as a state of worry or tension triggered by difficult situations, according to the World Health Organization. It's a natural human response that prepares us to face challenges and meet obligations. While some level of stress can be motivating, helping us complete projects or study for exams, it's important to recognize the fine line between healthy and harmful stress levels.

While stress can drive productivity, excessive stress can lead to negative emotions such as irritability and anxiety. Individuals may experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and difficulty sleeping. Prolonged stress not only affects mental health but can also exacerbate existing health conditions, making it crucial to address high stress levels early on.

Recognizing stress involves noticing a range of symptoms including feeling nervous, uncertain, or angry. Other signs include a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of being overwhelmed or burnt out. It's important to distinguish these temporary stress responses from more persistent mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which require separate attention.

Chronic stress can have serious long-term effects on your health, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can weaken the immune system and impair cognitive functions such as memory and decision-making. Additionally, people under prolonged stress may engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, excessive drinking, and neglecting physical activity, further compromising their health.

Managing stress starts with self-awareness and understanding how your body reacts to stressors. Identifying symptoms early allows you to address stress before it escalates. Incorporating stress relief techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can make a significant difference. Experimenting with different methods helps you find what works best for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

This Stress Awareness Month, take the opportunity to assess your stress levels and explore effective ways to manage them. Signing up for CNN’s Stress, But Less newsletter can provide you with valuable insights and tools to enhance your emotional and physical well-being. By actively addressing stress, you can lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.