April has been celebrated as International Stress Awareness Month since 1992.

This initiative was launched by a US-based non-profit organisation, the Health Resource Network, to educate the public on stress, its causes, and management. In 2026, the theme is ‘Lead with Love’, which reminds us to “approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face.”

Of course, maintaining a peaceful disposition when under pressure is no easy feat but doing so helps you make sound, rational decisions and protects relationships.

Fortunately, there are stress management techniques you can use to minimise your anxiety and handle a situation effectively. One popular technique is the 5 A’s (avoid, alter, adapt, accept, and assert). Its tenets can be found in many of the different strategies people use. One thing these suggestions have in common is that constant practice helps you acquire healthy habits for dealing with stress.

So, once you’ve identified what is causing you to feel stressed, you can find simple ways to manage it. We’ve got 10 practical tips for coping with life’s stressors.

Get proper rest. Once well-rested you’re more likely to have clarity and respond more rationally.  

Eat well. The typical responses to stress are to miss meals, overeat, or eat unhealthily. However, don’t skip meals or binge.

Be active. If you don’t exercise regularly, then start doing so. A 30-minute daily workout routine is a good place to start. Exercise is known to reduce stress through the release of endorphins.

Avoid stressful situations or people. Staying clear of stressors is easier said than done. Still, being in tune with your triggers will give you more control over situations and your response.

Practice mindfulness. Take time to assess your feelings and thoughts without passing judgment. Do it from a place of curiosity, asking lots of questions. Here are a few: What am I feeling? What am I telling myself that makes me feel this way? What am I believing that makes me feel this way? Is there another way of thinking about this situation? Remember, no judgment.

Begin journalling. Journalling is a useful way of keeping a record of your development. You can document your triggers, responses, and growth. There’s no prescribed method for writing. Employ a stream of consciousness (freestyle writing) or use a more structured approach. The greatest benefit of journalling is that it allows you to take control by identifying the cause of your stress.

Express your feelings clearly. Once you’ve assessed your emotions and assumed greater control, if what’s causing you stress requires you to speak to someone, do it. Don’t bottle up your feelings; communicate them clearly while remembering to consider others. Be open to a compromise. 

Reframe your perspective to a more positive outlook. Reframing requires first identifying your feelings and/or thoughts (which we discussed above). Once you’ve done so, aim to transform your negative thoughts or outlook into more constructive ones. You can undergo this mind change by examining the facts to determine if your perspective is valid. Also, question your assumptions. See if what you believe is verifiable. Lastly, look for an alternative explanation or plan.

Explore areas for self-improvement. Switch emotions by getting excited about learning and growing. Use the situation to identify areas for growth and pursue them. As you work on improving yourself, you’ll likely feel a greater sense of peace and more confidence.

Redirect your energy. Sometimes, getting out of our heads and distracting ourselves is best. After implementing all we’ve discussed above, remove yourself even further. Seek out others to help. It’s not running away, but a constructive way of using your time and energy.

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This article is for information only. Consult your GP for more information on dealing with stress and other mental health issues.

Sources: HelpGuide.org, Momentum Psychology, and National Health Service.