Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. This annual event is designed to raise awareness about the negative effects of stress on our physical and mental health and to provide information and resources to help people manage and reduce stress in their daily lives.

Stress is a natural part of life. It is the way we respond to the demands and challenges we face each day. It is our body's way of preparing us to face a threat or challenge, and it helps to motivate us to be productive and perform at our best. However, if it is ongoing, it can start to get on top of us and become overwhelming and can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

Stress can cause a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. It can also lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. In addition, chronic stress has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Fortunately, there are many things that we can do to manage and reduce stress in our daily lives. Here are some tips:

Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Try Reflexology: Reflexology is a gentle, hands-on, holistic therapy that aims to support the whole person; mind, body and spirit. It promotes deep relaxation and this may help reduce the negative effects of stress.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to support our physical and mental health. Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Take a break: Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help to reduce stress and improve productivity. Try to take a few minutes to stretch, walk around, or engage in a relaxing activity.

Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, your GP or a mental health professional.