Let’s face it—stress is a part of life. Whether it's deadlines at work, family drama, or just trying to keep up with everything, stress creeps in when we least expect it. The good news? You can always take a step back, breathe, and think about how you can manage that stress like a pro. You don’t need a weeklong retreat in the mountains to feel better (though, wouldn’t that be nice?). With a few practical tips, you can handle stress in your everyday life and actually feel more relaxed. Here are 10 stress management stress you can easily turn to on the day-to-day:
Deep Breathing Exercises
Photo by Darius Bashar on UnsplashOkay, I know what you’re thinking—deep breathing? Really? But trust us, it works. That’s why it’s always recommended as an effective stress and anxiety management strategy. Deep breathing is like hitting the “reset” button for your nervous system. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. Repeat this for about five minutes, and you’ll feel your heart rate slow down, your mind clear up, and stress start to melt away.
The best part? You can do this anywhere—at your desk, in the car, or even mid-conversation when you feel stress creeping in.
Take Breaks (Seriously)!
I know, I know—you’re too busy to take breaks, right? But here’s the thing: taking short breaks throughout your day can actually make you more productive and less stressed. We’re not built to focus for hours on end, no matter how much we would love that. Give yourself permission to step away from your work, stretch, grab a snack, or just walk around for five minutes. Mini breaks help reset your brain and keep burnout at bay.
Pro tip: set a timer to remind yourself to take a quick break every hour. Your brain will thank you!
Move Your Body to Get Rid of Built-Up Energy
Photo by Kari Shea on UnsplashWhen stress has you feeling like a bundle of nerves, sometimes the best solution is to move. Exercise is a fantastic way to release built-up tension, and it doesn’t have to be a hardcore workout. A brisk walk around the block, some gentle stretches, or a quick dance party in your living room (yes, that counts!) can do wonders for your stress levels.
Physical movement helps release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that naturally boost your mood and lower stress. So the next time you’re feeling frazzled, step away from your screen and move your body—your stress will loosen its grip.
Get Organized (but Don’t Overdo It)
Photo by Paico Oficial on UnsplashClutter in your space can equal clutter in your mind. If your desk, home, or schedule is chaotic, it can add to your stress without you even realizing it. Take a little time to get organized—whether that’s tidying up your workspace or jotting down a quick to-do list to keep things manageable.
The trick is to not stress about being organized. You don’t have to color-code your entire life. Just focus on simplifying things a little at a time. Even a five-minute tidy-up can make a huge difference in how calm and in control you feel.
Laughter Is Truly the Best Medicine
Photo by Lesly Juarez on UnsplashEver notice how much better you feel after a good laugh? That’s because laughter is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins and reduces the levels of cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) in your body. So, whether it’s watching a funny TikTok, catching up on your favorite comedy show, or just joking around with friends, make time for a little humor in your day.
And if you’re feeling particularly stressed, go ahead and watch some cute animal videos. Science says they help too!
Set Boundaries (Yes, You Can Say No)
Photo by Daniel Herron on UnsplashHere’s a game-changer: it’s okay to say no. Whether it’s taking on extra work, attending yet another event, or doing a favor that’s going to overwhelm you, setting boundaries is key to managing stress. Saying “no” when you’re stretched too thin isn’t selfish—it’s self-care.
If you’re a people-pleaser, this can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s essential for protecting your mental health. Practice saying no to small things first, and work your way up. Trust me, future you will be grateful.
Sleep: The Ultimate Stress Buster
Photo by Kinga Howard on UnsplashWe all know how cranky and stressed we get when we’re running on fumes. Sleep is your body’s natural way of recovering from stress and recharging your brain. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night (I know, easier said than done!) to help manage your stress levels.
If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try cutting back on screen time before bed, dimming the lights, and creating a bedtime routine that tells your brain it’s time to wind down. A cup of herbal tea, some light reading, or calming music can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.
Mindfulness Can Be Magical
Photo by Amandine Lerbscher on UnsplashPracticing mindfulness doesn’t mean you have to sit cross-legged on a mountain and meditate for hours. It can be as simple as taking a few moments to be present in whatever you’re doing. Whether you’re eating, walking, or just sitting in silence, focusing on the moment can help you feel grounded and less frazzled.
Start small: take one minute a day to close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and let your thoughts pass without judgment. This can help bring you back to your center and reduce stress over time.
Stay Connected with Your People
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashWhen stress hits hard, don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to your support system—whether it’s friends, family, or even co-workers you trust. Sometimes just venting to someone who gets it can make all the difference. Human connection is one of the best remedies for stress, so don’t be afraid to lean on the people who care about you.
If you’re not feeling up to a heart-to-heart, even a quick text to check in with someone can make you feel less alone and give you some emotional support.
Give Yourself Some Grace!
Photo by Dingzeyu Li on UnsplashLast but definitely not least, remember to cut yourself some slack. We’re often our own worst critics, and that can add a huge amount of unnecessary stress. Life gets busy, things get overwhelming, and it’s okay to not have it all together all the time. Self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools for reducing stress. So, when things go wrong (because they will), try to be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can—and that’s more than enough.
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine, you can manage stress better and actually feel more at ease. Remember, taking care of your stress is taking care of yourself!
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