Did you know that the month of April is, “National Stress Awareness” month? Well, I am sure that most of you will agree that we have had a lot that could cause stress over the past year, months, and even days. I know that I would never have imagined that some of our recent events in history could EVER have occurred.

Who would have ever imagined: a Pandemic? Quarantine? Cancellations of events, business and school closures? Illness and deaths of so, so many? Events that have created racial unrest in our local communities and across the county? A controversial presidential election and fallout from the election? And so much more?

So many events that had national impact have occurred, but I am sure that many of us have also experienced our own personal events that have caused stress in our recent history! So, for me, the next question is, what can we do to alleviate the stress that these events may have dropped on our doorsteps and stayed with us day in and day out?

Here are my suggestions to help alleviate and manage stress in our lives:

FIVE STEPS TO MANAGING YOUR STRESS:

1. SELF-CARE: What can you do to reduce stress that is really, really personal? Take care of yourself. As you have heard if you have ever flown, the flight attendants always tell you to place your oxygen mask on first and then place it on anyone you need to help. It is important to take care of yourself before you give everything you have and don’t have anything left for yourself! How do you take care of yourself? It may be as simple as finding quality time to read a good book!

Image Credit: Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC. — Image Credit: *Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC*.

2. ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Even during a pandemic and prior to getting back to “normal”, we still need to ensure that we spend quality time with our family and friends. Our immediate family, or those closest to us, can sometimes create stress, but more importantly they can be great stress reducers. Even when we are not able to gather in large groups, there are so many digital ways to keep in touch. I love seeing social media posts about families having “Family Game Nights”! We found the most fun creating puzzles together. The kids were so good at this! Also, remember that a hug goes a long way and can especially help us feel more secure and loved.

3. EAT A BALANCED DIET: Stress can cause “emotional eating” where we crave and eat high sugar, high fat foods. It is important to establish healthy eating habits and avoid those cravings and foods that can add weight and even make us tired and cranky. I know that I get mad at myself after binging on some fat filled foods and really regret it. Now I try to ask myself whether the calories gained by the food I am craving is really worth it in the long run. Many times, I can talk myself out of eating it.

4. REST AND RELAXATION: Please make time for plenty of rest and relaxation. Some people include exercise as a part of their “relaxation”. Well, if you’re anything like me and aren’t committed to an exercise program, take baby steps. Start with short walks or small work outs and build up to a regular program, remembering that something is better than nothing. I’ve heard that the more you exercise, the better you will be able to relax. My favorite method of rest and relaxation is to ensure that I focus on me in our backyard hot tub. Hot tub time is the best!

5. POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS: The way you look at yourself matters! Learn how to talk to yourself in a compassionate and loving manner. I try to create specific affirmations that apply to my current circumstances - really focusing on how to be positive each and every day. I use this Mirror Of Affirmations exercise:

Look in your mirror as if you were looking at your best friend with love, compassion and no judgement. Complete the following sentences:

- Say your name first – “Denola, I am ….” (2-3different things that you are becoming. Maybe you haven’t achieved it yet, but you are in the process and therefore “you are”.)

- Say your name first -- “Denola, I love that I have …” (list 2-3 different things you have accomplished and are proud of or can celebrate.

- Say your name first – “Denola, I commit to you that ….” (2-3 different things you are going to do.)

If you do this exercise (and really are honest with yourself), you will make breakthroughs in your life and will be able to impact others and demonstrate significance to others.

The key to relieving stress is to realize that stress is a part of life. We can’t always control our circumstances but we can control how to respond to them. How will you respond to your stress?

Denola M. Burton is the Founder and CEO of Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC. Denola holds the Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Biology. After beginning her career as a scientist, she transitioned into Human Resources and maintains certifications as a Professional in Human Resources from both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP), and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI-PHR). She is a Certified DISC Behavioral Coach through Innermetrix North America and is a Certified Speaker, Trainer, Coach with the John Maxwell Team.

Through Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, Denola develops and nurtures individuals and organizations to enhance their Leadership, Communication and Performance “DNA”. Denola is an author and a publisher and is a member of the Independent Book Publishing Association (IBPA). In 2019, Denola created the Enhanced DNA Publishing Division of her company and now assists new and newer authors in publishing their books to meet the IBPA standards.

Denola retired in December, 2017 from Eli Lilly and Company where her career spanned over 27 years. She has been married to her husband, Phillip, for over 27 years and they have two daughters, Danielle and Ciara. Denola is a member of the Recorder Women’s Auxiliary, which is an elite organization comprised of professional Women with a heart for the community. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Steward Speakers, Denola also serves as a mentor and member of the Board of Directors for Pass the Torch for Women Foundation.