April Showers Bring May Flowers

Honoring National Stress Awareness Month

When I think of April, I think dewy mornings, rainy days and that clean, fresh scent that drifts in when you open your windows; a glimpse of a true spring day ahead. I oddly find myself really motivated during rainy days, but at the same time, enough is enough. April can be rough! It's gloomy despite the recent time change, rainy, cold and a tease. Especially after we just braced a Chicago winter, like…. Im stressed, Im cold, Im ready for summer.

"April showers bring may flowers" is a proverb many of us are familiar with. A piece of optimism. It’s a reminder that when we are navigating something unpleasant or difficult, it can lead to something else positive later. A rainbow after a storm, or summertime Chi, after a chilly 7 months. But even uncomfortable seasons serve a purpose.

Ironically, April is National Stress Awareness Month. Let this blog be a time to pause, reflect, and better understand how stress shows up in our lives and bodies.

Stress isn’t inherently bad. Im a big believer that everything in doses or moderation is okay. In small doses, stress can:

• motivate us

• sharpen our focus

• help us respond to challenges

But when stress becomes chronic, it can quietly and quickly impact nearly every system in the body. Often in ways we don’t immediately recognize.

The Impact of Stress on the Body

When we experience stress, our body activates its “fight or flight” response, which releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing us to respond quickly. Our “fight or flight” response is helpful in busts but prolonged activation can take a toll.

You might notice:

• Increased muscle tension, headaches, or jaw clenching

• Digestive issues, stomach pain, bloating, or changes in appetite

• Fatigue

• A weakened immune system

Over time, chronic stress can contribute to more serious health concerns. If this is you, first and foremost, visit your PCP to rule out any medical issues.

Understanding a Dysregulated Nervous System

Lately, I’ve been hearing many people use the phrase “dysregulated nervous system”. What this means, is your body and mind are having difficulty returning to a baseline state of feeling calm and safe. It can absolutely swing from one extreme to the other (anxiety and restlessness to fatigue and withdrawal). What we experience mentally, we feel physically.

Chronic stress, can keep the nervous system stuck in a heightened state. The amygdala, which is the brain’s danger detection center, under constant stress becomes more sensitive and hypervigilant. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex (the part behind your forehead).. the part that helps with decision-making, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking becomes less active. Put simply...you stop thinking as well...you may feel like you cant "think clearly", be more reactive. impulsive and emotional.

The Impact on Mental Health

As were learning... stress doesn’t just live in the body, it also effects the mind. However, its not immediate or overnight. It slowly builds up and can have a big impact.

It can cause:

-       Heightened anxiety, constant worry and overwhelm

-       Irritability or mood swings

-       Difficulty concentrating and decision making

-       Feelings of burnout, sadness, or disconnection

-       Difficult with sleep

-       Doom scrolling

-       Avoidance/ procrastination

-       Maladaptive coping (substance use or self harm)

Recently, my husband sent me a reel on Instagram. It was a video of a woman doing chores around the house, managing the kids and even washing her face. She was rushing and panicking... low key freaking out and moving a million miles a minute. The wording on the reel… “when you start to realize that literally almost nothing is an emergency”…. I had never felt more seen and also was a great reminder for myself to slow down and chill out sometimes.

Three Practical Tips to Manage Stress

We may not always be able to eliminate stress entirely, we can change how we respond to it.

1. Regulate Your Nervous System Daily

Incorporate calm and slow moments into your day, even 5 minutes. This could be deep breathing, getting outside for fresh air, stretching, or taking a snack break. Consistency matters more than duration.

2. Think about areas of control

Stress often grows when we feel overwhelmed by everything at once. Reflect on what IS an IS NOT in your control. Focus on actionable and TANGABLE steps, and practice letting go.

3. Stay Connected

Stress thrives in isolation. Reach out and ask for help when you need it. Talking to a friend or family member, make lunch plans, get to a group workout class. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself… and remember therapy is always an option.

Be gentle with yourself this month. The flowers are coming.