Stress sneaks into all of our lives, sometimes without us even realizing it. For me, stress can show up on the days when my calendar feels too full or when I am pulled in many directions between family, work, and school. Over the years, I have learned that there are small, realistic steps I can take that make a real difference in how I feel.
One of the easiest things I do is pause for a few minutes with a cup of tea each day. I know that sounds simple, but there is something calming about stepping away from the phone and emails to sit quietly and enjoy the warm cup in my hands. That short pause gives me a reset.
Another step that helps me is walking. Some days it is a brisk walk up a hill, other days it is a slower walk around the block with my children or my walking buddies. Movement clears the clutter in my head and gives me more patience to face the rest of the day or week!
Breathing exercises also make a difference. I keep it easy by just taking three deep breaths when I start to feel tense. Inhaling deeply, holding for a moment, and then slowly exhaling is often enough to bring me back into balance. Adding a few stretches helps as well. Stretching the neck and rolling the shoulders a few times can do wonders.
Writing also helps me release stress. I am not always consistent with journaling, but even a few sentences at the end of the day allows me to put my thoughts on paper instead of carrying them to bed. Sometimes I encourage my kids to do the same and we all feel lighter afterward.
Finally, I have learned the value of saying no, however, this was not easy. I come from the space of not wanting to let anyone down and saying no was not natural. For many years I said yes to every invitation, project, or committee. Learning to say no has given me the space to say yes to the things that better align with my life goals while ensuring a healthy balance of life events.
The above suggestions are not complicated steps, but it does take a while to make them a habit. Perhaps learning to say no may take a bit. But in the end, these are small shifts that help one manage stress in a way that feels sustainable. I believe the key to decreasing stress is to find what feels real for you and then to practice it with kindness toward yourself. Stress will always be there, but how we respond to it can change everything.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Well&Co.