3 Simple Strategies for Stress
- Kate Slatter
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
As we kick off Stress Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to reflect on how stress affects us and explore practical ways to regain control. Life can get overwhelming, and stress often creeps in when we least expect it. However, a shift in perspective and a few intentional actions can help us manage it more effectively.
Here are 3 simple strategies to consider this month:
1. Deep Breathing: The quickest way to reset 💨
We take over 20,000 breaths a day, but most of them are shallow. This shallow breathing signals stress to your body, keeping you in a heightened state of anxiety. The good news is that you can reverse this in just minutes. Deep breathing is one of the quickest ways to calm your nervous system. Try slowing your breath, inhale deeply for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and repeat for a couple of minutes. This simple practice can lower your stress levels and shift your body from ‘fight or flight’ mode into a more relaxed state.
2. Get Outside – Nature’s healing power 🌳
There’s a reason we feel rejuvenated after spending time outdoors. Research consistently shows that time in nature reduces stress and improves mental well-being. In Japan, they call it Shinrin Yoku, or “forest bathing”. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a stroll by the river, or even sitting in a garden, taking time to connect with nature from the busyness of work and go outside to recharge. Your mind will thank you.
3. The 5-minute brain dump 📝
When your to-do list starts to feel like it’s never-ending, take 5 minutes to unload everything from your mind onto paper. Grab a pen and paper, set a timer for 5 minutes, and jot down all the tasks swirling around in your head. When the timer goes off, select just 3 priorities to focus on today. This exercise helps to declutter your mind, shift your focus, and eliminate the overwhelm.
Managing stress isn’t just about reacting to it – it’s about proactively creating moments of calm in your day. By integrating these small but powerful practices, you can better manage stress and foster resilience.
💬 What do you do to manage stress?
Drop a comment below or reach out if you’d like to dive deeper into stress management strategies. Let’s share ideas and support each other in building healthier, more balanced lives.
