April is Stress Awareness Month! When I learned that this month is dedicated to bringing awareness to stress I thought, “Wow, this is coming at a very good time in my life!” Between the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the uncertainty, changes, and challenges present in the world over the past year and recently selling my home and moving to accommodate a two week closing period, I have experienced a great deal of stress. There have been times where I reflect and think I have managed that stress appropriately and there have been times where I haven’t managed too well.

The most eye opening part of how stress has impacted me over this past year is in my ability to continue nursing my baby. To put it simply, my body has been trying to manage and handle the cortisol that it’s producing as a result of the constant stress, and it has had to make that survival system more of a priority than producing breast milk. This was a big wake up call for me and such a profound example to demonstrate that as much as I want to always put my children first, I literally cannot take care of them unless I take care of myself first. In my blog from last week, I shared that I am not always great at this and I have found that asking for help from my family, friends, and colleagues has been incredibly helpful. I am also finding that connection with like-minded people is so powerful.

In connecting and sharing my experiences with others, I have been surprised to learn that other people have felt the same way I feel now. I am not alone!

This in and of itself helps me to feel more calm and at peace. I am grateful for everyone in my support system who encourages me and reminds me that it’s okay to ask for help, offers time for support, connection, and grace.

In order to manage some of the stress I have also been tuning in and listening to my body. This looks like stopping what I am doing and eating when I’m hungry instead of trying to finish my to-do list before I take a break. Or, going to bed when I am tired rather than staying up later and finishing work than can be finished the next day. It also looks like taking a nap on the weekends when my children sleep and not feeling guilty about it.

Social media has been a big stress trigger for me at times over the past year. I have leaned into the advice of unfriending and unfollowing accounts that no longer serve me. I have tried to be intentional about my use of social media to ensure that I am using it to my benefit, rather than my detriment.

Other things I like to do to manage stress are guided imagery meditation, deep breathing exercises, listening to music and podcasts, reading, and calling a friend. Ultimately, what helps me the most is knowing that I am not alone, and it’s okay to lean on others for support.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO WHAT I COULD NEVER DO ALONE.

-12 Step Recovery

Chelsie Ciminelli, LCSWA

Managing Stress

In connecting and sharing my experiences with others, I have been surprised to learn that other people have felt the same way I feel now. I am not alone!

TOGETHER WE CAN DO WHAT I COULD NEVER DO ALONE.