To commemorate April as Stress Relief Awareness Month, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. will be hosting an interactive event providing instruction in yoga, Tai Chi and meditation to encourage mental health and stress management for residents in the district. It will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at American Legion Continental Post 1424, located at 107-15 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

“Stress affects so many aspects of our lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” Addabbo said. “In our busy, chaotic world, it is important to pause, relax and embrace selfcare. I am hopeful that what participants learn during this session will bring peace into their lives and make them better equipped to face challenges with a clear mind.”

In 2025, the American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a survey called "Stress in America" and it found that most participants cited increased stress over the last five years with 75 percent of those stating that the stress manifested itself through physical and emotional symptoms.

During Senator Addabbo’s event, Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi of Forest Hills will share with participants how movement creates a sense of relaxation, lowers stress hormones and also calms the nervous system. Yoga and Tai Chi support the development of mindfulness and mental organization, decrease rumination, and lift mood. Gentle movements relieve muscle tension, improve posture and alleviate symptoms related to physical stress. Regular practice promotes autonomic balance (more rest-and-digest), which, in turn, supports emotional regulation.

Bayside Meditation will help the participants practice meditation and describe how the technique reduces stress through lowering cortisol and adrenaline. It also strengthens emotional regulation and stress resilience; increases attention, focus and mental clarity; improves relaxation, releases physical tension and promotes sleep and mood stability.

Those who complete the entire yoga, Tai Chi and meditation class will receive a coupon for a free class at Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi of Forest Hills and a coupon for one free class at Bayside Meditation (which can be conducted virtually).