Understanding & Overcoming Stress
April is recognized as #NationalStressAwareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the detrimental effects of stress on our mental and physical well-being.
Stress has become a common denominator in many people’s lives, impacting their health, relationships, and productivity. However, stress doesn’t have to rule our lives. With the right tools and strategies, we can effectively manage stress and lead healthier, more balanced lives.
The more we understand about stress, the better equipped we are to kick it to the curb. National Stress Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the sneaky ways stress can mess with us mentally and physically.
About Stress
Stress is our body’s natural response to challenging or threatening situations. While it’s normal to experience stress occasionally, chronic stress can wreak havoc on our health. It can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immune system.
There are numerous techniques and practices that can help us manage stress effectively. Here’s how you can start managing your stress:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment can significantly improve our overall well-being.
Renovo actually used to do morning meditations together as a team in the early days! Matt Primeau, MEL, B.Eng actually led some of these sessions! Here’s a lil tidbit about Matt, as seen on his LinkedIn:
My entrepreneurial journey has me wearing many hats. I am primarily a Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer for Scrapless Exchange Inc., a circular economy food redistribution company. Additionally, I work as Sustainability Director for Renovo Creative, assisting other startups to conduct Life-Cycle Analysis on their processes to reduce their carbon footprint.
When I am not working on my cleantech projects, I am mentoring emerging entrepreneurs on finding their life purpose and taking courageous action towards it. I mentor in the form of 1:1 sessions as well as by facilitating weekly group masterminds. I teach entrepreneurial skills, growth mindset, positive habit building, strategies to overcome self-sabotage (procrastination, inner critic, imposter syndrome, etc.), and meditation.
Through my coaching media company – Brave New You Coaching – I have cultivated 19,000+ followers across Social Media and have had my writing published in large online self-growth publications such as The Ascent, The Goodmen Project, PS I Love You, and Medium.
In my spare time, you can find me outside hiking, camping, or riding a board on either the waves or snow.
Here are some other recommendations!
Grounding Meditation for Team Meetings by Christiane Wolf, M.D., Ph.D.
By InsightLA Meditation
Watch it here Grounding Meditation for Team Meetings by Christiane Wolf, M.D., Ph.D.
10-Minute Meditation For Stress
By Goodful
Watch it here 10-Minute Meditation For Stress
2. Regular Exercise
Exercise is not only beneficial for our physical health but also for our mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers.
Need some ideas? Here are some of our recommendations where you can get a work out and do some good in your community:
Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup
Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup is a community-driven initiative dedicated to preserving the health and beauty of our oceans. Through coordinated efforts, volunteers come together to remove litter and debris from shorelines worldwide, preventing harmful pollutants from entering our marine ecosystems. With a focus on education and awareness, Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup not only cleans up coastal areas but also inspires individuals to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for ocean conservation. By participating in this impactful program, volunteers play a crucial role in safeguarding marine life and protecting the planet for future generations.
Learn more here Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup
Friends of Trees
Friends of Trees is a grassroots nonprofit organization committed to greening our communities and enhancing the natural beauty of our urban landscapes. With a passionate network of volunteers, staff, and supporters, Friends of Trees works tirelessly to plant and care for trees in neighborhoods across the country. By fostering a sense of stewardship and community involvement, they not only beautify our surroundings but also improve air quality, mitigate climate change, and create healthier, more vibrant cities. Through their tree planting events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, Friends of Trees continues to make a lasting impact on the environment, one tree at a time.
Learn more here Vancouver – Friends of Trees
Neighbourhood Cleanup Party
Neighbourhood Cleanup Party is a grassroots initiative that brings communities together to tackle litter and beautify their local surroundings. With a spirit of camaraderie and shared responsibility, volunteers of all ages join forces to clean up streets, parks, and public spaces in their neighborhoods. Through organized cleanup events, residents not only make a tangible difference in their environment but also foster a sense of pride and connection within their community. By working together to tackle litter and promote cleanliness, Neighbourhood Cleanup Party empowers individuals to take ownership of their shared spaces and create a cleaner, more vibrant neighborhood for everyone to enjoy
Learn more here Neighbourhood Cleanup Party | City of Vancouver
3. Lifestyle Choices
Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine can help reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
Check out Boreal Heartlands! They are a conservation organization dedicated to protecting the vast and biodiverse boreal forest ecosystems of the northern hemisphere. With a focus on stewardship, research, and advocacy, Boreal Heartlands strives to safeguard this vital natural resource and the diverse wildlife it supports. Through collaborative partnerships with indigenous communities, governments, and conservation groups, they work to address threats such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. By promoting sustainable land management practices and raising awareness about the importance of the boreal forest, Boreal Heartlands aims to ensure the long-term health and resilience of this irreplaceable ecosystem for generations to come.
“Boreal Heartland Herbal Products Inc is Indigenous owned and operated, We operate on Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 territories. Traditonal and Ancestral lands to the Woodlands Cree, Métis, Plains Cree, Dene and Saulteaux. Boreal Heartland began in 2017 and is based in Air Ronge, SK , Canada. It is an initiative of Keewatin Community Development Association, a longstanding, northern, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting career, education, business, and economic development in the northern Saskatchewan region.”
Learn more https://borealheartland.ca/
4. Time Management
Learning to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and delegate when necessary can help alleviate stress caused by overwhelming workloads.
Share your ideas in the comments or repost with your thoughts! Here are some thoughts from our co-founders, Marc Apduhan, EIT , Sheryl Roxas Drake & Neus Luque Amblas on how they help our team maintain a great time management regime;
In the rhythm of productivity, harmony is key. We prioritize tasks, nurture flexibility, and embrace technology to streamline our workflow. By fostering open communication and a culture of accountability, we empower each team member to own their time and thrive in achieving our collective goals.
5. Social Support
Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide a valuable outlet for stress relief. Sharing our feelings and experiences with others can help us feel understood and supported.
Dance classes
Take dance classes together at one of Vancouver’s many dance studios. Whether you’re into salsa, hip-hop, or ballroom dancing, moving your body to the music can be a fantastic way to relieve stress and have fun with your loved ones. Check out places like Harbour Dance Centre or Dancey Events for classes.
Our team has tried classes by Brig from @culturallydefined [View the post here]
Volunteer
Look into organizations like Filipino BC, New Ventures BC, Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum, or the Greater Vancouver Food Bank for volunteering opportunities.
- Filipino BC is dedicated to promoting Filipino culture and community engagement through various events and initiatives.
- New Ventures BC supports entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to help them grow their businesses.
- Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum offers networking events, workshops, and forums to connect aspiring and established entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Lastly, Greater Vancouver Food Bank works tirelessly to address food insecurity by distributing nutritious food to individuals and families in need across the region.
Each organization offers unique ways to give back and get involved. You’ll not only make a positive impact in the community but also gain valuable experiences and connections that can enrich your personal and professional life.
Hiking in Stanley Park
Enjoy the beauty of nature by going for a hike in Stanley Park. With its lush forests, scenic trails, and stunning views of the ocean and mountains, Stanley Park offers the perfect setting for a stress-relieving outdoor adventure with your loved ones. Try the Stanley Park Seawall or the trails around Beaver Lake for picturesque hikes.
These activities offer opportunities to bond with your dear ones while engaging in enjoyable and stress-relieving experiences in the vibrant city of Vancouver.
6. Professional Help
However, If stress becomes overwhelming or starts to interfere with daily life, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, or medication may be necessary to manage severe stress and related mental health issues.
If you or someone you know has strong negative feelings, refer them to any of the many resources available in the local Vancouver area! You are not alone, and don’t have to go through it alone:
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Coastal Health provides a wide range of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care. They offer programs for various age groups and mental health concerns, and you can access their services through community health centers or hospitals.
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre)
The Crisis Centre offers 24/7 support for individuals experiencing crisis situations, including severe stress, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. You can reach out to them by calling their crisis lines (9-8-8) or using their online chat service for confidential support and guidance.
BC Psychological Association (BCPA)
The BCPA provides a directory of registered psychologists in British Columbia, including those practicing in Vancouver. You can search their database to find a psychologist who specializes in stress management and other mental health issues.
As we observe National Stress Awareness Month this April, let’s take this opportunity to prioritize our mental and physical well-being. By incorporating stress management techniques into our daily lives, we can minimize the negative impact of stress and lead happier, healthier lives.
Remember, managing stress is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s essential to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. We can raise awareness about the importance of stress management and support each other in our journey towards better health and well-being.
