April is Stress Awareness Month: Tips to Manage Stress

Experts share advice on identifying triggers and healthy coping strategies during this annual mental health observance.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A minimalist neon outline illustration depicting a person in a yoga pose, with glowing lines tracing the figure's dynamic movement and energy against a dark background, conceptually representing the mental and physical benefits of stress-relieving activities.Stress awareness month inspires Salt Lake City residents to explore holistic wellness activities that promote mental and physical relaxation.Salt Lake City Today

With April being Stress Awareness Month, the focus is on managing stress and identifying triggers. Experts recommend exercise, breathing techniques, and speaking to a professional as healthy ways to address acute or chronic stress, which can have negative impacts on physical and emotional well-being.

Why it matters

Stress is a growing concern, with around 75% of physical and emotional symptoms related to stress according to recent surveys. Providing guidance on effective stress management is important, especially during this annual observance aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthy coping strategies.

The details

The Bouldering Project gym in Salt Lake City offers activities like rock climbing and yoga that can help manage stress by providing physical and mental challenges as well as social connections. Experts note there are different types of stress, including eustress (positive) and distress (negative), and identifying personal triggers is key to addressing chronic or acute stress. Techniques like journaling, breathing exercises, and speaking to a mental health professional can also be beneficial.

  • April is designated as Stress Awareness Month.
  • The American Psychological Association's 2023 survey found Americans' stress levels have increased over the past five years.

The players

Curran Lemp

The general manager of Bouldering Project in Salt Lake City.

Devin Vernick

A trainer at the Bouldering Project gym.

Dale Werner

An expert from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

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What they’re saying

“It helps people experience those endorphins and then also social stress relief, like for loneliness.”

— Curran Lemp, General Manager, Bouldering Project

“There's nothing wrong with a little bit of stress but it's when it becomes acute or chronic that we want to do something about it.”

— Dale Werner, Expert, Huntsman Mental Health Institute

“If you're having a hard time identifying what's causing that stress, maybe it's journaling. Breathing helps regulate our nervous system and that can bring us to a greater sense of calmness.”

— Dale Werner, Expert, Huntsman Mental Health Institute

What’s next

Experts encourage people to speak to a mental health professional if they are experiencing significant or persistent stress that is impacting their well-being.

The takeaway

Stress is a growing concern, but there are healthy ways to manage it, including exercise, breathing techniques, journaling, and seeking support from mental health professionals. Identifying personal stress triggers is an important first step in developing effective coping strategies.