Have you noticed life starting to feel busier as the days grow longer and brighter? Spring often brings a renewed sense of energy and motivation, encouraging us to get outside, be more active and make the most of the lighter evenings.

While this seasonal lift can feel positive, it can also quietly increase stress as routines fill up and expectations rise.

I’m Sarah Stamp, an acupuncturist and holistic therapist at Olive Tree Acupuncture & Wellbeing in Brackley. I support people with pain, stress, hormonal balance and overall wellbeing, and through this monthly column I share simple seasonal guidance to help you feel your best as the year progresses.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a reminder to pause and reflect on how stress may be affecting you. Stress can show up in many ways – poor sleep, headaches, tight shoulders, digestive discomfort or feeling emotionally overwhelmed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stress is often linked to the Liver system, which keeps the body’s energy, or Qi, moving smoothly. When energy becomes “stuck,” tension, irritability and physical discomfort can appear.

Small daily habits can help calm the nervous system and restore balance. Spending time outdoors, gentle movement such as walking, Tai Chi or Qigong, breathing exercises and holistic therapies like acupuncture, massage or reflexology all support relaxation and wellbeing.

Ways to support your body during stress:

• Take a daily walk outdoors

• Try Tai Chi or Qigong (5–10 mins)

• Do gentle shoulder rolls and neck stretches

• Practise slow breathing (in 4, out 6)

• Eat regular, balanced meals

• Write down three daily priorities

• Switch off screens before bed

Stress is something we all experience, but with the right support the body can learn to regulate and recover. By making small changes to daily routines, we can move through the season with greater balance, clarity and energy.

Written by Sarah Stamp