Join Steven & Friend TONIGHT for "National Stress Awareness Day!" Discussion with Warriors for Life (WFL)!
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.
TONIGHT's Topic: "National Stress Awareness Day!"
"Stress is our body's way of protecting itself from harm. Too much stress, however, can cause harm and damage to our bodies. How do we then manage our stress levels so as to protect ourselves and not drift into the harm-causing aspect of stress? How can we become aware of when we are stressed? Such a day was created just for all these questions! Today is National Stress Awareness Day, which always falls on the first Wednesday of the month of November."
Stress awareness, identification, and management are interconnected steps for maintaining well-being: awareness involves recognizing stress's impact, identification focuses on pinpointing stressors and their physical/emotional symptoms, and management uses coping strategies to reduce stress's negative effects. Key actions include self-care (exercise, hobbies, sleep), seeking social support, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, managing your time effectively, and seeking professional help when needed.
Stress awareness
What it is: Understanding that stress is a normal reaction to life events and recognizing its impact on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Why it's important: It's the first step to taking proactive action. Ignoring stress allows it to build up and can have long-term consequences on your health.
Stress identification
What it is: Learning to recognize your personal triggers and symptoms of stress.
How to do it:
Keep a stress journal: Track what causes stress, how you feel physically and emotionally, and your reaction to it.
Identify triggers: Pay attention to situations that cause a rise in stress, from major life changes like a new job to daily micro-stressors like a long commute.
Recognize symptoms: Notice how stress manifests in your body and mind (e.g., headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping).
Stress management
What it is: Using strategies to reduce and cope with the effects of stress.
How to do it:
Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and incorporate exercise into your routine.
Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist. A professional can provide tailored strategies for your needs.
Practice relaxation: Try techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Manage your time: Set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and learn to say "no" to non-essential commitments.
How to Help Manage Stress
Tonight, join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors For Life Mid-Week Musings Peer Support Group as we discuss stress awareness, stress identification, and stress management.
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), November 5, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846
Thank you,
Steven Bates
Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &
Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.
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