Stress Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? It’s a time to learn about stress, how it
affects us, and what we can do to feel better. Everyone feels stress sometimes—even kids and teenagers! But the good news is that there are ways to handle it.

What is Stress?
Stress is the feeling you get when you’re worried, overwhelmed, or under pressure. It can
happen when you have too much homework, a big test coming up, or even when you’re having problems with friends or family. A little bit of stress can be helpful—it can push you to do your best! But too much stress can make you feel tired, upset, or even sick.

Signs That You’re Stressed. Not sure if you’re stressed? Here are some signs:
● You feel worried all the time
● You get headaches or stomach aches
● You have trouble sleeping
● You feel angry or irritated easily
● You have trouble focusing

How to Deal With Stress
The good news is that there are lots of ways to feel better! Here are some simple tips:
Take Deep Breaths – Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, then
breathe out through your mouth. 

This can help calm you down.
Get Moving – Exercise, dance, or even take a walk outside. Moving your body helps release
stress.
Talk About It – If something is bothering you, talk to a friend, parent, teacher, or someone
you trust. You don’t have to deal with stress alone!
Take Breaks – If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from what you’re doing and do
something fun for a little while.
Get Enough Sleep – Sleep helps your brain and body recharge, so try to get enough rest
every night.
Do Something You Love – Listen to music, draw, play sports, or read a book. Doing what
makes you happy can help reduce stress.
Here are some fun activities and relaxation exercises to help you manage stress!

1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Game
This game helps you feel calm by focusing on your surroundings. Try it when you’re feeling
overwhelmed:
● 5 things you can see
● 4 things you can touch
● 3 things you can hear
● 2 things you can smell
● 1 thing you can taste

2. Balloon Breaths
Imagine you have a balloon in your belly. Take a deep breath in through your nose and fill up
your “balloon.” Then slowly let the air out through your mouth. Do this a few times to feel
relaxed.

3. Draw Your Feelings
Grab some paper and colors. Draw or doodle whatever you’re feeling inside. You can use colors to show your emotions—like blue for calm or red for frustration.

4. Create a Relaxation Jar
Fill a jar with water, glitter, and a little glue. When you feel stressed, shake it up and watch the
glitter swirl and settle. It’s a great way to calm your mind!

5. Go on a Mindful Walk
Walk outside and pay close attention to what you see, hear, and feel. Can you notice the
breeze? The sound of birds? The feeling of the ground under your feet? Walking mindfully helps clear your thoughts.

6. Make a Happy Playlist
Music can change your mood! Create a playlist of songs that make you feel happy and relaxed. Whenever you feel stressed, listen to it and dance along if you want!

7. Write a Gratitude List
Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. Focusing on the good things in your life
can help reduce stress and make you feel happier.

You’re Not Alone!
Everyone experiences stress, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. If you’re feeling
really stressed or overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust. Taking care of your mental
health is just as important as taking care of your body!
Let’s use Stress Awareness Month to learn how to take care of ourselves and support each
other. You’ve got this!