6 Simple Ways I Reset and Manage Stress

Whether it’s forgetting about a doctor’s appointment for Callie, being worried about an upcoming surgery for her, feeling nervous about a situation James is de-escalating at work, or having to give a presentation in front of my entire supply chain team, stress is a constant and familiar part our lives. A lot of the time, our daily stress levels do fluctuate too–depending on what’s going on with work, our health, or our families and friends at that moment in time.

While we most certainly are not always in control of our stressors, we are in charge of how we respond to them.

Here are some of the simple (and free!!!!) ways we with stressful situations:

Acknowledge it

I start by taking a moment to acknowledge and accept the stress. Rather than perceiving it as a roadblock, I try to reframe it as an opportunity for personal growth. The act of acknowledging the stress in our lives is not a sign of weakness but the first step towards seeking help or finding constructive solutions. Over the years, I’ve found that confronting stress head-on can be a powerful catalyst for positive change and personal development.

Create a calming space

I create a calming space, closing my eyes, and feel my body from head to toe. I pay attention to any physical sensations or areas of tension. This simple yet powerful mindfulness practice helps me enhance my own body awareness and helps me release accumulated stress. I typically only take a few minutes–reconnecting with myself, centering myself in the present and letting go of the burdens that weigh me down.

Journal

I will shout the therapeutic power of writing to alleviate stress from the rooftops until the day I die. I start by writing down the stressor, like “I have to have two articles turned in by Friday” and then repeatedly asking myself, “So what?” until it reveals deeper insights about the situation for me. Writing down my stressful thoughts not only gives me an emotional outlet but also offers clarity, helping me gain perspective and manage through those crazy stressful situations with a clearer mind. I also feel like writing it down takes away some of it’s power. When it’s just tumbling around in my mind, it can seem much larger, scarier, and more worrisome. When I can clearly look at it on paper…..it loses some of it’s bluster.

Cat Nap

During a hectic day, a short 10-minute nap is a game-changer for resetting my mind. I don’t know about you but when I don’t sleep well, my stress is extra intense. Enter the cat nap. A brief nap (10-15 minutes) has become a rejuvenating solution. I find a quiet spot, close my eyes, and give myself a brief escape to recharge my mental batteries. Even if I can’t sleep, I’m shocked at how a small pause enhances my resilience and grit against the challenges of the day.

Breathing Exercises

I can’t recommend enough adding the 4-7-8 breathing technique into your routine to activate the relaxation response. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds. Deep breathing not only calms the nervous system but also provides an immediate sense of tranquility (I noticed over the years, I tend to hold my breath when I’m stressed!). I’ve loved making this simple yet effective technique a regular part of my stressful days to help me manage ongoing stress and my mental well-being.

Take a Walk

I could be having the most stressful day every and simply by taking a 10 minute walk, my perspective and mood changes. I started doing this literally when Callie was born–I would get so stressed out in the NICU, I would need to excuse myself and just walk for a few minutes. Is it the blood pumping, the change of scenery, the endorphins from exercise that helps me? I don’t know but what I do know is that it is a vital tool in my toolbelt for managing stress.

Would love to hear how you manage your stress–drop your best tips in the comment section!