As we shared in our last blog post, April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time to honor neurodiversity, listen to autistic voices, and advocate for more inclusive spaces. But April also marks Stress Awareness Month, which feels fitting… because honestly, who isn’t carrying at least a little extra tension these days?
Between packed schedules, constant notifications, and the pressure to always be “on,” stress has quietly become part of daily life for many of us. It can build gradually, like a background hum you don’t notice until it’s suddenly loud enough to drown everything else out.
This month invites us to check in, slow down, and reflect on how stress is showing up in our lives—and more importantly, what we can do to care for ourselves through it.
Stress Doesn’t Always Look How You’d Expect
It isn’t always dramatic or obvious. Sometimes it’s irritability over small things. Other times it’s feeling emotionally flat, struggling to focus, or constantly forgetting why you walked into a room. (No, you’re not the only one.) Stress can show up in our bodies, our thoughts, our relationships—and it doesn’t always ask for permission.
The first step is recognizing it. Checking in. And most of all, approaching it with compassion instead of judgment.
Rest Is Not a Luxury
Many of us carry the belief—consciously or not—that rest needs to be earned. That we should power through first, and then we’re allowed to pause. But rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. It’s part of what helps your brain and body function well in the first place.
And no, rest doesn’t have to be a weekend retreat in the woods. Sometimes, it’s taking a real lunch break. Saying no to one more Zoom meeting. Or giving yourself permission to do nothing productive for a little while. That’s not selfish—it’s how we recover and stay well.
Small Actions, Real Impact
You don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul to reduce stress. Small, doable things can make a meaningful difference:
- A few slow, deep breaths between tasks
- Stepping outside and noticing what you see or hear
- A short walk—even just around the block
- Writing down the three things that are making your shoulders tense
- Checking in with a friend who helps you feel grounded
These little resets add up—and remind your nervous system that it doesn’t need to stay in high alert.
Rewriting the Way We Think About Coping
We tend to think of coping as something visible. A plan. A system. A checklist. But often, the most powerful forms of coping are invisible: the moment you say “I need a break” before you hit your limit. The moment you choose to rest even though part of you still feels guilty. The moment you soften your shoulders and say, “This is enough for today.”
And maybe that’s one of the kindest shifts we can make this month—letting go of the idea that coping has to look impressive. Sometimes it’s quiet, slow, and completely unremarkable on the outside.
But inside? It’s life-changing.
A Small Reflection for Right Now
If you’re reading this, take a moment—just 30 seconds—to check in with yourself:
- What’s one thing I’ve been carrying that feels heavy today?
- What’s one thing—however small—that could help me feel supported?
Maybe it’s stepping outside. Maybe it’s reaching out. Maybe it’s just breathing more slowly than usual while you read these words. Whatever it is, that’s your starting place.
No pressure to fix everything. Just enough care to meet yourself where you are.
A Different Kind of Ending
There’s no “final thought” here. Just this gentle truth: stress is part of life, but it doesn’t have to run the show. You can see it differently. You can treat yourself more softly. And you can build a life where slowing down isn’t something you apologize for—it’s something you protect.
And if all else fails… water, movement, sunlight, and someone who makes you laugh are always a good place to start.
