Health Hub – Manage Stress in Healthier Ways

An illustration of a woman choosing to focus on a butterfly floating past, rather than stressors from everyday life, pictured in thought bubbles far behind her.
September 1, 2024

Seasons change, kids go back to school, new opportunities come knocking — there are many shifts that we are accustomed to throughout the year, but many come with challenges. Whether the impacts are temporary or something that will require some adjustment over time, we all know the struggle of stress that accompanies these kinds of experiences.

Stress can have real, lasting impacts on all aspects of our wellbeing. It’s so important to manage stress in healthy ways to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone could use more tools for stress management, so we have a few ideas to share.

  • Stretching is a good way to relax muscles and release tension
  • Physical activity can provide stress relief and improve your mood
  • Mindfulness exercises such as meditation can be calming and centering
  • Creative outlets can help with self-expression for complex emotions and thoughts
  • Social activities can keep you connected to family, friends, and your community

If you’re interested in more resources, check out this page on Health.gov and their links, join us for a class or coffee in the lobby, and check out the diverse offerings on YMCA360 like those in the Mind & Body category.