Since 1992, April has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month to help raise an understanding within the public of the causes, effects and cures of the stress epidemic. Many people do not understand that it is important to de-stress both your professional and personal life in order to be happy and healthy.

Stress not only affects your mental health, it can also have an effect on your physical well-being. Long-term stress has the potential to cause a variety of health afflictions, like headaches and stomach issues, and can increase the risk for serious conditions, like heart attacks and strokes.

Implementing a few de-stressing tactics in your daily life can help decrease your stress levels and diminish some of the risk factors associated with stress. Here are a few suggestions:

• Avoid stretching yourself too thin. As humans, we have the tendency to think we can do it all. However, learn to say no and do not overdo it.
• Stay organized. Employ organizational tactics, whether it be a planner or organizational home items. Be sure that your life is in order; it makes things much easier.
• Schedule you time. Relaxation is key in diminishing stress, but it can be hard with a full schedule. Make sure to block out time to cater to yourself.
• Eat healthy. A healthy diet can help keep your spirits up and help you avoid negative stress.
• Exercise. Exercise has continuously been promoted as a great stress reliever. However, remember to use it as a stress reliever and not as another obligatory task.
• Do not forget to communicate. Withholding feelings can directly lead to stress, so make sure others know how you feel.

The above tactics are just a few of the things you can do to help lead a less stressful life. Find what works for you and continue to include them in your everyday life.