University of Maryland University College (UMUC) psychology faculty expert David Banks, Ph.D., has a lot to say about the most effective strategies for managing stress. He shared his wisdom in a recent Facebook Live interview as part of the university’s observance of National Stress Awareness Month.

For starters, Banks offers these three simple keys to minimizing stress in your life.

1. Get a good night’s sleep. Ensuring 7 to 9 hours per night, every night is a critical ingredient in any stress prevention plan.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Consuming well-balanced meals is important to help prevent stress.
3. Engage in fun exercise. Doing something on a regular basis that involves moving can work well to reduce stress in your life.

View Banks’ interview for more stress-busting tips and a deeper dive into the psychology of stress.

ABOUT DAVID BANKS

David Banks, PhD, MPH, MSSW, RN, has taught Psychology of Stress, Social Psychology, Human Sexuality and other psychology courses at UMUC since 1993.  A research scientist, he has published collaborative scientific articles on blood donation, domestic violence, elder care, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse in scientific journals including the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Black Psychology, and Transfusion.

Dr. Banks has served as an associate vice president of research and certified association executive in senior management positions among the national offices of the American National Red Cross, Volunteers of America, American Legacy Foundation, and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.  Currently, his community service activities include serving as a sexual assault and domestic violence hotline counselor, and as a member of the board at A Way Forward, Vegetarian Society of DC, and Seneca Forest Homeowner’s Association.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing, master’s degrees in both social work and public health, and a doctorate in human development.

ABOUT STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

Stress Awareness Month, held each April since 1992, provides health care professionals and health promotion experts, across the U.S. an additional—and national—platform for enhancing their ongoing efforts to educate and increase public understanding about the nature and dangers of stress as well as effective strategies to help minimize and manage it.