Fable Yoga

Stress Awareness Month: Actionable Ways To Care For Your Mental Health

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can impact our mental health in many ways. April 2023 marks Stress Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to check in with our own stress levels and mental health. We've rounded up some simple ways to look after your mental health and manage your stress throughout April 2023 and beyond.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts without attachment or judgment. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and stress and improve your overall feelings of well-being. There are many mindfulness techniques you can try, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a walk in nature. Looking for a place to start, checkout the Fable YouTube channel for free meditation and yoga practices to try at home.

Daily Movement

Exercise has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reducing stress levels. When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular exercise can also help improve sleep quality, which is essential for managing stress. Whether it's yoga, pilates, running or weights, finding ways to get in daily movement is a great natural way to boost your mood and energy levels.

Connect with Others

Social connection is vital for our mental health, especially during times of stress. Connect with friends and family regularly, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're feeling overwhelmed. Joining a community yoga class or volunteering can also help improve your social connections.

Try Yoga

Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve your mental health. Yoga combines physical movement with mindfulness and deep breathing, making it an effective stress management tool. Yoga has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve sleep quality, and boost overall well-being.

Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can have many benefits for your mental health. Some popular yoga poses for stress relief include:

  • Child's pose
  • Downward-facing dog
  • Tree pose
  • Warrior II
  • Corpse pose

Yoga also provides an opportunity to connect with others and build a supportive community.