No one enjoys the tense, overwhelmed feeling that comes with too much stress, but the fast-paced nature of modern life means that virtually everyone has suffered at least temporarily from an overload of stress. High stress levels can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other illnesses, making stress relief a key component of emotional and physical health. Since 1991, the Health Resource Network (HRN) has sponsored the annual celebration of Stress Awareness Month each April, in order to educate the public on stress, its dangers, and effective coping methods. In connection with this goal, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is proud to support the development of standards related to popular stress-relieving activities.
Another way to combat feelings of stress is by listening to classical music, which studies suggest can have a powerful calming effect. If you choose to take in some Mozart at an outdoor festival, a standard developed by ANSI-accredited standards developer and organizational member PLASA, formerly known as the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, has you covered—literally. ANSI E1.21-2006, Temporary Ground-Supported Overhead Structures Used to Cover Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events, sets down minimum design and performance guidelines for temporary outdoor stage roofs that are used for concerts, outdoor festivals, and other similar events. The standard is intended to assist organizers in making sure that sun and rain do not negatively affect performers and equipment; the standard also provides some instructions for limiting damage related to violent storms.By supporting these and other methods of stress release, standards help individuals manage stress throughout Stress Awareness Month and all year long.