The overall stress level in America peaked for the first time in a decade, according to a recent study from the American Psychological Association.

Its “Stress in America: Coping with Change” survey showed that between August 2016 and January 2017, Americans’ stress level on a 10-point scale from “little or no stress” to “a great deal of stress,” went up from 4.8 to 5.1. Politics was the main stressor, but others include terrorism, police violence and personal safety.

In light of Stress Awareness Month this April, Rhonda Lesley, director of Counseling Center at Missouri State University, helps us to understand stress better and combat it.

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Find out more about calm.com.

Watch McGonigal’s TED Talk about making stress your friend.

To get help for stress management, visit with a counselor or medical provider in your area. For more information, contact Lesley at 417-836-5116.