DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – National Relaxation Day is today, Aug. 15, and while it won’t erase life’s challenges, it’s a reminder to take a break and focus on your mental and physical health.
This time of year can be especially stressful with extreme heat, back-to-school schedule changes, heavier traffic, and even early holiday displays adding to the pressure. Stress can strain relationships, impact work performance, and harm overall health.
Experts recommend several healthy ways to prevent and cope with stress, including staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Connecting with friends or community groups to share concerns and ideas can also help, as can making time for personal activities such as reading, walking, or enjoying a quiet moment.
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can calm the mind and body. The key is finding what works for you whether it’s a morning coffee on the porch, an afternoon of fishing, or listening to music.
If stress ever feels overwhelming or leads to feelings of hopelessness, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
For more resources on managing stress, visit Alabama CredibleMind, the CDC’s stress management tips, the NIH’s meditation and mindfulness guide, or the Mayo Clinic’s stress management page.
