It’s Good To Talk: Feeling stressed? Everyday stress and how to tame it
‘Think of stress as a warning light in your car, that something that is piling up and needs attention before it causes bigger problems’
Have you ever had one of those days where it feels like life is moving too fast and you are only just about keeping up? You wake up to a buzzing phone, the to-do list piling up - demands, left, right and centre and all with a feeling that you just can’t catch your breath.
If this sounds familiar, it means you are human. Stress is a normal part of everyday life. But the good news is you do not have to let it run your life.
Let’s have a little chat about everyday stress, what it really does to us, and some practical ways to manage it without feeling like you need to overhaul your entire life.
What is “daily stress,” anyway?
Stress isn’t just that heavy panicky feeling you get before an exam or an interview. Daily stress is the small, ongoing pressures that creep into our lives, such as traffic jams, noisy neighbours, deadlines, forgetting to pick up groceries, or even the constant scroll through social media comparing your life to everyone else’s. When stress builds up day after day, it can affect your mood, sleep, energy levels, and even your health.
Recognising it is the first step to taking control. Think of stress as a warning light in your car, that something that is piling up and needs attention before it causes bigger problems.
Step 1: Pause and notice
Before you can tackle stress, take a moment to notice it. But most of us are running on autopilot. Try pausing for a minute, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “What’s really bothering me right now? ”
Even naming your stress out loud can provide some relief. Say it like you’re telling a friend, “I am feeling overwhelmed because my to-do list is never-ending today.”
Step 2: Break it down
Once you have noticed the stress, tackle it piece-by-piece. Massive problems can feel paralysing but smaller concrete tasks might feel more doable. Make a short list, prioritising what really needs attention today and let the rest wait. Your brain does not need to juggle everything all at once. There is great power in monotasking. Which is the more efficient big sister of multitasking. It can be surprising that one small victory at a time can ease that constant feeling of pressure.
Step 3: Move your body
When we stress, our bodies tense up and our brain floods with stress hormones. Moving around helps release that tension. And no, you don’t need to run a marathon or make more work for yourself. A brisk walk even around the outside of your house, stretching while waiting for the kettle to boil, or a little dance in your kitchen, whatever works for you but anything that gets you moving counts. Your body literally releases stress with movement. Think of it as shaking off the tension that’s been clinging to you all day.
Step 4: Breathe
‘Stress is part of life, unfortunately it’s not going away completely’
Repeat a few times. Suddenly, that knot in your chest might feel a little bit lighter. You can do this anywhere, at your desk, the car, or even queuing to pay for your shopping.
Step 5: Set boundaries
Many of us get stressed because we never say no. We pile on commitments like we have an endless energy tank but the reality is, it’s ok to say no or buy yourself time and say “let me think about it”. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish. It means you are protecting your mental space. Decide what is essential, and give yourself permission to step back from the rest of it. Even small boundaries, like muting notifications for an hour can feel like an unwind.
Step 6: Laugh (seriously)
Laughter really is magic. Watch a funny video, call a friend who always makes you smile, or recall a funny memory. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that help counteract stress.
Sometimes, a good laugh is like hitting the “reset” button on your brain. And let’s face it, life is too short to take every little thing seriously. I once tried laughter yoga and I was surprised how practicing laughing at some situations I would have previously been shouting at or felt frustrated in, did in fact produce less of a negative reaction in me.
Step 7: Connect with people
Stress has a sneaky way of making us feel isolated. But humans are social creatures, we are wired to need connection. Even a short chat with a friend, a hug from a family member, or a quick text to someone who understands you can lighten your mental load. Sharing your stress isn’t complaining, it’s caring for your mental health. And often, hearing someone else’s perspective can make your problems feel more manageable.
Step 8: Create tiny rituals
Tiny rituals are small, repeatable actions that give your day structure and comfort. Morning tea, a five-minute journaling session, lighting a candle in the evening, or a short walk after lunch - rituals are like little anchors that help you stay grounded during the chaos.
Over time, these small habits become a protective layer against stress. Think of it as giving your mind a little reprieve in the middle of a hectic day.
Step 9: Seek help when needed
Sometimes, stress can get bigger than your coping strategies so it’s ok to get help from a counsellor, your GP, a friend or family member or even a support group.
If you notice that stress is affecting your sleep, appetite, relationships, or overall happiness, talking to a professional can help you understand your triggers and find strategies that really work.
Step 10: Celebrate small wins
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate the little victories. Did you take a deep breath instead of panicking at a traffic jam? Did you say no when you needed to? Did you take a walk instead of scrolling endlessly on your phone? All of these are wins. Give yourself a pat on the back. Life isn’t about perfection, it’s about navigating the chaos with a little compassion and support.
Stress is part of life, unfortunately it’s not going away completely. The way we respond to it can make all the difference. Pause, breathe, move, laugh, connect, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Tiny, consistent steps add up to a calmer, more manageable life.
Remember - life doesn’t have to feel like a non-stop race. Sometimes, slowing down just enough to notice your own needs is the most powerful thing you can do. Take a breath. You’ve got this!
All Good Wishes,
Tracy xx