Day 105: Stress Awareness Month

For the 19th consecutive year, April 2011 has been designated Stress Awareness Month. During this month, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. Sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

Do you really know what stress is? According to Webster, stress is "mental, emotional, or physical TENSION or strain." There are two different kinds of stress -- the kind that makes you feel overwhelmed (ex: when you have too many things to do), and the kind that makes you feel excited (ex: when you are looking forward to something). However, both "positive" and "negative" stress have the same physical effect on your body when unchecked -- they deplete your reserves and leave you drained. The only solution is to either make a conscious effort to spend more time in a lower gear, or take time in between bursts to rest and recuperate.

Stress is a lot more than the things to which we give that label. Every change is a stressor. Going back to school is a stressor that includes several stressors of scheduling classes, writing papers, and absorbing new ideas, yet it is also an opportunity to learn many things.

When we think of stress we usually think of stress on adults. What about the kind and amount of stress children experience through trauma, drastic changes in their lives, or a serious illness? They experience stress differently than adults do, who have coping capabilities, whereas children do not. They need assistance in dealing with heavy stress.

Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. It is their mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who experience stress from being seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need of the handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” The comfort brought to a child by a Project Linus security blanket should not be underestimated. Thanks to our many blanketeers and our chapter coordinators, millions of children and their families have been given comfort and security at a time when they need it most. In addition, blanketeers are given an opportunity to use their talents and abilities in a most rewarding way.

With chapters in all 50 states, Project Linus continues to grow. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. They also provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Donation $5

To support Project Linus, please visit: http://www.projectlinus.org/