April is National Stress Awareness Month and a Dallas County Health Department official details how residents can manage their stress levels.

Community Health Educator Natalie Del Vecchio says stress is the body’s natural response to challenges or demands whether they’re physical, emotional or mental. Though she adds that it’s not always harmful as short-term stress can be helpful for meeting deadlines.

Del Vecchio details that it can begin to take a toll on physical and mental health when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming. Those impacts can include headaches, sleep and digestive problems along with an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

Del Vecchio explains that chronic stress may also impact residents’ relationships and overall quality of life and so it’s important to address it early.

“There are many effective ways to manage stress and it’s important for individuals to find what works best for them. Some healthy strategies include regular physical activity, especially getting outside, can help a lot, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness.”

Del Vecchio adds that those who may need additional help can talk to a counselor or healthcare provider.