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April is National Stress Awareness Month, and in light of the month-long effort to bring attention to the negative effects of stress, an expert has shared the most effective coping mechanisms to combat stress.

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and CNN wellness expert, took the time this week to address the most common concerns people have about stress.

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), stress is a state of worry or mental tension triggered by a difficult situation. It is a natural human response to threats and challenges, so it becomes an inevitable part of daily life.

However, the prolonged presence of stress can wreak havoc on both physical and mental well-being. Wen said this can lead to a myriad of more serious health issues, including anxiety, depression, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

The adjunct associate professor at George Washington University also noted that prolonged stress has been associated with an increased risk for chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

In a dialogue with CNN's Katia Hetter, Wen said there are mental and physical signs and symptoms to watch out for when dealing with stress, including heart palpitations, abdominal pain, and headaches.

Excessive stress may also manifest as a drastic change in mood, according to the expert. For instance, a stressed person may find themself easily getting annoyed or irritable, and they may lash out at loved ones and colleagues due to their strong emotions.

Fortunately, there are effective coping mechanisms that can combat stress and prevent it from progressing into more serious conditions.

Wen advocates for self-awareness and the adoption of healthy strategies, encouraging everyone to practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise.

"Deep breathing exercises are something everyone can try and help both in the moment of the stressful encounter and after, for example, as is mindfulness meditation," Wen said.

"I'm also a big fan of exercise. There is excellent scientific evidence that exercise is very effective at managing stress. Exercise reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins, which are 'feel-good' neurotransmitters that can relax the body and improve mood."