Mental Health and Living Well: Strategies for Managing Stress

Date: 05/01/25

Mental health is one of your greatest assets. It helps you focus at work, overcome obstacles, get along with the people around you, get well, and stay well. The article below has information about mental health and stress from Mental Health America (MHA).

We’ve rounded up tips and resources for how you can improve your mental health. Wherever you are on your journey, Arkansas Health & Wellness wants to help you reach your health goals.

Living Well
Our mental health is in constant flux, influenced by various factors including our physical well-being. Understanding the crucial connection between our physical health and mental well-being is pivotal in maintaining overall wellness.

Stress Management
Stress is a natural part of life, but it's essential to recognize when it becomes overwhelming. Stress can manifest physically or mentally, often triggered by daily responsibilities and obligations. When left unchecked, chronic stress can pose a threat to our health and well-being.

Signs of Stress
It's important to acknowledge that everyone responds to stress differently. Some thrive in challenging situations, while others may struggle. Recognizing your personal tolerance levels for stress is key to managing its impact on your health.

Tips for Reducing Stress
Implementing strategies to reduce or control stress is crucial for maintaining mental wellness. Suggestions include learning to say no, practicing mindfulness, visualizing success, focusing on one task at a time, engaging in regular exercise, pursuing hobbies, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking social support.

Supporting Youth with Stress
Children and teens can also experience stress, often related to academic pressures, loneliness, body image, and managing multiple responsibilities. Providing them with support, teaching time management skills, encouraging healthy habits, and fostering open communication are essential for helping them cope with stress.

Risk and Protective Factors for Toxic Stress
Factors like exposure to trauma and unhealthy behaviors can contribute to toxic stress. However, resilience, social support, healthy habits, mindfulness practices, and seeking professional help serve as protective factors against toxic stress.

Next Steps

There are steps you can take to manage symptoms and improve how you feel. For more information and resources for dealing with symptoms, visit the MHA’s page on Staying Mentally Healthy. Remember to talk with your primary care provider about any symptoms you notice. If you feel you are in a mental health crisis and would like free, confidential mental health support, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If you need assistance, please reach out to MHA at 1-877-617-0390 (TTY: 1-877-617-0392).