The Month of May is Stressful. 12 Ways to Cope:

May Stress

The month of May is stressful. It’s the home stretch for the academic year. Final exams. Field trips and school plays. Final papers and projects. In May, class attendance is up, and so traffic is a stressor for everyone. May is the home stretch month, right before the start of summer and a lighter schedule.

Coinciding with the increased stress, we commonly see a surge in mental health appointments. People find themselves overwhelmed in the rush of the world around them. That’s why it’s appropriate that May is mental health awareness month. It’s a good time of year to stop and think about your own mental health needs, and the needs of those around you.

So, how best to get through the month of May?

1.     Slow down.

Stop rushing around and ease up the pace.

2.     Choose an earlier bedtime.

Getting enough rest will lessen the effects of stress.

3.     Cut the fast food and eat your fruits and veggies.

Healthy food keeps your body tip-top and your mood on an even keel.

4.     Get a little sunshine.

Spending time outdoors is restorative for mind, body, and spirit.

5.     Take a twirl on the dance floor.

Dancing is great for mental health. So, get out there and shake your moneymaker.

6.     Have a laugh.

If your dance moves are anything like mine, you can knock out 2 in 1. Laughter is good for the soul.

7.     Talk about feelings.

Talking about big feelings helps you get them under control. Encourage everyone to talk. It helps.

8.     Take a day of rest.

In the hustle and bustle, take some time off to rest.

9.     Plan some summer fun.

Give yourself something to look forward to by plotting out your plans for summer festivities.

10. Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is good for mental health and easy to learn. Download one of the many free apps, like Calm or Headspace to learn how.

11. Breathe deeply.

Don’t have time to practice mindfulness right now? Just take a moment and breathe deeply.

12. Dwell on gratitude.

Gratitude is a natural remedy for stress. When you’re busy feeling grateful, there’s no room to fret.

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Melissa Deuter.