How Do You Manage Stress?

“Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important.” – Natalie Goldberg 

Although I like the above quote, I feel like it’s easier to understand its meaning as long as you are not in an active state of stress.

We’ve all been there – feeling overwhelmed by stress, and sometimes, hearing well-meaning phrases like “stop stressing,” “it isn’t that important,” or “just breathe!” They’re said with the best intentions, but in the heat of the moment, are they really helpful?

I admit, I’ve been guilty of saying these things myself. In the moment, they seem like good advice, but upon reflection, I realize they might not be the most effective approach.

Stress is inevitable. As humans, we are wired to react to events, big or small. It’s part of who we are. Over time, I’ve learned how to better manage my stress—not perfectly, but with more awareness and intention.

Here are some strategies I use to help reduce the impact stress has on me:

Stop – I pause to allow myself the time to process the situation. This helps me assess how much attention and energy the event truly deserves.

Listen – I take the time to absorb all the details. Understanding the full scope of the situation helps me gauge whether this is a temporary stressor or something I need to actively address.

Walk Away – Sometimes, stepping away from the situation is the best choice. It gives me space to think and recalibrate without reacting impulsively.

Pray – Prayer has been an essential part of my process. I seek guidance, clarity, and understanding about how God might be using this challenge in my life.

Exercise – Physical activity is a powerful way to channel my stress. It helps me release pent-up energy, boost endorphins, and calm the body’s natural “fight or flight” response.

Journal – Journaling gives me a safe space to express my thoughts without filters. It’s a therapeutic outlet, and while I might keep some entries, most of the time, I let them go.

Sunshine – Sometimes, a little bit of sunlight is enough to ground me and restore my sense of balance.

We all know that stress takes a toll on our bodies, minds, and spirits. While we can’t always eliminate stress from our lives, with time and practice, we can learn to manage it more effectively. The key is to understand how our bodies respond and find the strategies that work best for us.