Pennington Biomedical's Small Shifts Focus for October: Managing Stress and Anxiety

As October begins, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center will focus its Small Shifts campaign on an issue that affects millions daily: managing stress and anxiety. In this fast-paced world, the pressure to stay productive can easily become overwhelming. But what if there are small steps that can be taken to better manage these feelings and improve one's well-being along the way?

Throughout October, the Small Shifts campaign will explore simple, effective strategies to manage stress and anxiety through mindful practices and everyday habits. These tools are not just about feeling calm in the moment—they are about creating a better balance between productivity and well-being. The goal is to empower individuals to improve their quality of life while maintaining high performance in their personal and professional lives.

"When we talk about health, we often think about things that are very physical, like nutrition and fitness," said Dudley & Beverly Coates Endowed Professor Dr. Tiffany Stewart, Director of Pennington Biomedical's Behavior Technology Laboratory. "But we also need to have conversations about mental health and mental resilience."

Why Managing Stress and Anxiety Improves Productivity

High productivity does not have to come at the expense of personal well-being. In fact, effectively managing stress and anxiety can enhance focus, boost creativity, and support a more sustainable work-life balance. When stress is reduced, clarity increases, enabling individuals to approach challenges with a more open and composed mindset.

Throughout the month, Pennington Biomedical will provide simple, actionable tips and resources designed to help reduce stress in practical, impactful ways. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, individuals can feel calmer, more in control, and better equipped to handle life's demands.

Join Pennington Biomedical in making October a month of less stress and more calmness.

"The best way to form a positive and healthy new habit is to make minor adjustments to our routines," said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. "At Pennington Biomedical, we know that long-term adherence to a new adjustment can be difficult, but any small shift in a positive direction can lead to key results down the road."

For more information on the Small Shifts campaign and to sign up for weekly resources to manage stress and anxiety, visit www.pbrc.edu/smallshifts.

Provided by Louisiana State University