April marks Stress Awareness Month, a yearly campaign that looks to increase public awareness of the causes, effects and impact of stress. The ethos behind the campaign is to encourage people to live happier and healthier lives by being able to manage stress in an effective way, whether in work settings or personal and social situations. Stress can show up in many ways, exasperating difficult situations and causing longer term health impacts.
Here at Kerlora, yes we design athleisure outfits for women, but our message spreads wider and we closely resonate with the message that the campaign is promoting. Many of you may know about our founder Kersty’s battle with health anxiety. She was diagnosed with the condition a few years ago and turned to movement as her form of sanctuary, safety and relief. Health anxiety is closely linked to stress where it can lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath and headaches. This can in turn fuel further anxiety.
The theme for Stress Awareness Month for 2026 is #BeTheChange, something all too familiar to Kersty who shares how she realised that ‘there is no one coming to save me’. The only way to manage the anxiety and resultant stress is to really be the change for herself. And building Kerlora was one of her ways of doing this, for her own personal goals but also to serve the thousands of other women out there that are juggling every day, real life.
How is the Kerlora team getting their sweat on and using movement to help manage stress?
Founder Kersty finds her biggest sense of peace when running. She joked about how running forces her to only think about her breathing before she passes out! But all jokes aside, running, especially when out in nature has fast become a favourite form of movement for many. Being out in nature and surrounded by greenery will help to reduce the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body too. Focussing on each stride, breathing in fresh air and listening to your favourite track can help to alleviate the pressures and stress of everyday life.
When Kersty is getting her sweat on during her morning run, you’ll most likely find her wearing her hero piece, the LongLine Racer Back Bra paired with the high waisted Wrap Waist Leggings. Support, comfort and style all together so the only thing she is worrying about is that next stride.
Our designer Clara prefers a high intensity work out, her favourite being Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). She shared how she gets ‘so wrapped up with learning and memorising the moves, I don’t even remember what I was stressed about after the session has finished’. High intensity movements like this will help you to release stress, anger and frustration, all while learning a new skill at the same time.
When Clara is in Jiu Jitsu mode you’ll spot her in the dedicated uniform, but on her journey to and from training her hero piece is always the Kerlora Cream Sweatshirt. The perfect layer after a sweaty session!
Creative consultant Neelam loves being in water. A weekly swim ‘melts all of her stress away’. The beauty of swimming is that you get a full body workout but with a lower intensity than other forms of movement. And there is something so special about being in water.
Her hero piece to throw on after a swim and sauna sweat session would have to be the Cool Pebble Grey Sweatshirt and Sweat Shorts. The perfect laid back, easy set to head home in.
In addition to the above we recommend heading to the Stress Management Society website here where they have lots of helpful ways in which to use movement to manage stress.
The Kerlora Sweat Guide To Support You Through Stress
With the theme of Stress Awareness Month and with Kersty’s story in mind we really wanted to encourage you to let go of sweating the small things and instead focus on your next form of movement to support you through any stress you might be experiencing.
And so we’ve curated the SWEAT list. The key pieces and breathable workout clothes for women to support you through your sweat and stress this month. It’s time to release the pressure, the perfection and the performance and instead find strength in each step, rep and set. Our top picks for stylish activewear for everyday wear from the list are:
- Black Wrap Waist Essential Shorts - As the temperature is heating up, these essential shorts will keep you cool and calm through any amount of sweat. Plus the wrap waist detailing gives them the edge to make sure you look good while moving! The perfect stylish gymwear for women.
- Black Long Sleeve Performance Top With Cut Out Back - The breathable, lightweight piece with a statement cut out that will have you turning heads while you move. Stress, what stress?!
- Accessories - Keep the sweat covered from head to toe with the Kerlora Cap and Socks. You can’t have a full athleisure look without them. Your outfit will be the least of your worries as you move.
As a community at Kerlora, we understand the collective pressures that women face and how stress can overshadow some of the most beautiful things that we experience. We are really striving to be the best athleisure brand for women that see the full reality of your experience. This month we encourage you to be the change for yourself and take the action to help reduce your stress levels where you can. You can find further resources and guidance on the Stress Management Society website.
Let’s collectively #BeTheChange.
