April is Stress Awareness Month: Let’s Chill Out Together!

Ah, April! The month of blooming flowers, chirping birds, and… stress? Yes, April is officially Stress Awareness Month, which means it’s time to take a deep breath, unclench your jaw and dive into ways to keep stress at bay—especially for neurodivergent individuals, people balancing multiple roles and expectations, and parents trying to help their kids navigate this wild world.

Stress: What’s the Big Deal?

Stress isn’t just inconvenient; it can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health. It messes with your sleep, digestion, and even your ability to enjoy a good meme. For neurodivergent individuals (like those with ADHD, Autism, or anxiety disorders), stress can feel extra overwhelming because the world isn’t exactly designed for brains that work outside the so-called “norm.” Add in cultural pressures, financial worries, and everyday chaos, and stress can feel like a chunk of gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe.

Stress-Busting Tips for Neurodivergent Minds

Let’s face it—traditional stress management tips like “just meditate” or “take a relaxing bath” don’t always work for everyone. So, here are some neurodivergent-friendly strategies to help you out:

Stimulation Regulation – Some people need more sensory input (hello, fidget toys and weighted blankets!), while others need less (goodbye, bright lights and loud noises). Find what works for you and embrace it unapologetically.

Body Doubling – If focusing on tasks feels impossible, try working alongside someone else. Even a virtual co-working session can trick your brain into productivity mode.

Time Blindness Tricks – Use visual timers, alarms, or gamify your tasks to keep track of time without slipping into a hyperfocus vortex (we’ve all been there).

Plan for the Unplanned – Life is unpredictable, so build in buffer time for when things don’t go as planned. Give yourself extra time to transition between activities and expect the occasional “oops” moment.

Stress Tips for Everyday Life

Cultural and societal expectations, financial struggles, and personal responsibilities can all add an extra layer of stress. If you’re balancing multiple roles or feeling overwhelmed by external pressures, here are some ways to cope:

Talk It Out – Whether it’s with family, friends, or a therapist who gets it, having a support system can help lighten the load.

Set Boundaries Like a Pro – Saying “no” (or “not today!”) is a form of self-care. If your upbringing taught that saying no is rude, think of it as self-preservation instead.

Redefine Success – Success doesn’t have to mean overworking yourself. Celebrate small wins, and don’t compare yourself to others (especially not that one cousin who seems to have everything together).

Parenting Through Stressful Times

If your child is stressed, you probably are too. Instead of panicking (which is, let’s be honest, the natural instinct), try these tips:

Validate, Don’t Fix – When your kid says they’re stressed, resist the urge to swoop in with solutions. Instead, say, “That sounds really tough. Want to talk about it?” This builds emotional resilience.

Get Creative with Coping – Some kids do well with talking things out; others need art, music, or even punching a pillow to release emotions. Find their preferred stress-buster and roll with it.

Movement is Magic – Whether it’s jumping on a trampoline, doing silly dances, or even taking a short walk, moving the body can help kids (and adults) shake off stress.

Model Healthy Stress Management – If you’re constantly on edge, your kid picks up on it. Show them how to take breaks, breathe deeply, and practice self-care without guilt.

Let’s Make April the Chillest Month Ever

Stress Awareness Month is a great time to reevaluate what’s working for you—and what isn’t. Whether you’re neurodivergent, juggling multiple responsibilities, a parent, or just a stressed-out human (aren’t we all?), there’s a way to make life a little easier. So take a deep breath, unclench that jaw again, and remember: you’ve got this!

 

Article by: Stephanie Arsenault, MA, LPC-S

Stephanie Arsenault, MA, LPC-S

Stephanie is a Children and Family Therapist for Three Oaks Counseling Group.

She sees clients at our Georgetown and West Lake Hills offices.