Do you want to lower your stress level? Has the pressure of everyday life started to feel overwhelming? The hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities often create stress. And if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself saying yes to far too many things you don’t really have time for.
I’ve been there, wondering, “What was I thinking? How did I expect to get all this done?” Thankfully, I’ve made progress in learning to say no to things that don’t align with my priorities. It’s a work in progress, but I’m getting better. Yay, me!
The good news is that recent research reveals our attitude toward stress is one of the biggest factors in how our bodies handle it. Studies suggest that stress itself may not be as harmful as we once believed—it’s our perception and response to it that matter most. By shifting your mindset about stress, you can significantly influence how it affects your mental and physical well-being.
Still, life is much more enjoyable when we reduce unnecessary or harmful stress. Whether it’s by setting healthy boundaries, simplifying your commitments, or reframing challenges in a more constructive way, taking steps to lower stressors can create a greater sense of balance and ease in your life.
Here are five simple strategies that can help you lower your stress level:
1. Put the Past Behind You
Life throws plenty of stress our way each day – from things like traffic, surprise interruptions, sick pets, or pipes bursting and flooding the basement (trust me, that’s happened three times at our house). So, why add to it by clinging to the past?
You already have enough in the present to handle. Let go of that extra baggage for the sake of your health and peace of mind. Holding onto past stresses only adds unnecessary weight to your shoulders today and tomorrow. Eventually, all that pressure will become too much to bear.
You work hard to create a good life for your family. Don’t let that extra stress steal away your ability to enjoy it. If you let it, stress will rob you of the happiness you deserve.
The simplest way to lighten your load? Stop ruminating on past events.
That said, sometimes there are unresolved issues that need to be addressed for you to feel truly free. If you don’t deal with the pain, sorrow, or anger, they’ll keep haunting you. Maybe it’s time to forgive someone – perhaps even yourself. Or, maybe it’s about finding a way to release those old wounds, like through art therapy or something else that helps you process the past.
2. Determine What is Serving You and Release the Rest
Evaluate your projects based on what truly serves you. Holding onto tasks or commitments that no longer align with your needs can lead to guilt, overwhelm, and exhaustion. I used to hold onto everything, convinced that quitting wasn’t an option and that finishing what I started was a must. But then I realized something important – refusing to let go of unfinished projects or things that no longer serve me was keeping me stuck in the past.
Sometimes, this also means letting go of relationships that are no longer serving you. Surround yourself with people who are moving in the direction you want to go.
To help you figure out what’s truly serving you, check out the article “Using Reflection as a tool for Getting out of Overwhelm,” where you’ll find questions that can help you clarify what needs to stay and what’s time to release.
3. Get Help
This is something I’ve learned firsthand. As someone who values independence, asking for help once felt like a sign of weakness. But I’ve realized that asking for help actually takes courage. It takes wisdom to recognize when you can’t do it all alone, especially when chronic illness adds an extra layer of challenge to daily life.
It’s perfectly okay to lean on friends, family, a spouse, or coworkers. They care about you and will likely be more than willing to assist in whatever way they can. Whether it’s helping with physical tasks, offering emotional support, or even just providing company during tough days, leaning on your support system can make a world of difference. You don’t have to shoulder everything by yourself.
For those times when you’re feeling really stretched thin, you also have the option of hiring help. If you’re struggling to keep up with household chores, consider bringing in a professional cleaner a couple of times a week or hiring someone to take care of errands for you. A little help can go a long way in lightening your load and lowering stress, especially when you have limited energy due to illness.
If your ever-growing responsibilities are leaving you with barely enough time to eat, sleep, or recharge, it may be time to reevaluate how you’re managing your tasks. Chronic illness often means you need to be even more strategic with your time. Streamline your to-do list with a time-effective plan to prioritize what’s most important and minimize tasks that drain you unnecessarily. When your energy is limited, every little adjustment helps.
For more strategies to manage stress and prevent overwhelm, be sure to check out our article “When Stress if Overwhelming: How to Reframe Pressure Into Power.”
And if housework is adding to your stress, divide the chores among everyone in the household. Even kids or other family members can help, and it’ll make a huge difference in how much you’re able to handle without burning out. Remember, you’re not alone in this—sharing the load can create a healthier, less stressful home life for everyone.
4. Set Aside Time for Yourself
What brings you joy? Maybe it’s knitting, soaking in a warm bubble bath, sketching, or curling up in bed with reruns of The Golden Girls. For those of us living with chronic illness, these simple, restful pleasures become lifelines. They’re not just hobbies or luxuries—they’re essential acts of self-care that nurture our mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s finding comfort in a quiet moment or indulging in a favorite pastime, these moments of joy help sustain us through the challenges of illness.
Set aside a few hours each weekend to indulge in whatever brings you peace, even if it means adjusting your plans to match your energy levels. If fatigue or pain is part of your day-to-day reality, consider low-impact activities like watching a favorite show, listening to calming music, or enjoying an audiobook. Perhaps gentle stretching, restorative yoga, or simply resting in a cozy chair with a soft blanket feels right. Choose what works for you—there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to joy.
Carve out at least one weeknight for pure relaxation. Maybe it’s sipping chamomile tea while flipping through a magazine, meditating with the soft glow of candles nearby, or doodling in a sketchpad. If traditional relaxation methods don’t appeal to you, adapt them to suit your needs. The important part is carving out time where your only focus is unwinding, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.
Release any guilt about prioritizing yourself. Living with chronic illness often means juggling countless demands—managing your health, caring for loved ones, or navigating work and household responsibilities. Taking time for self-care isn’t indulgent—it’s critical. Even brief moments of rest and joy recharge you, helping to prevent burnout and keep you feeling grounded. When you nurture yourself, you’re not only investing in your well-being but also in the quality of life you share with those around you.
5. Socialize
Making time to socialize with family and friends is a powerful way to keep your stress in check. Laughter, shared moments, and a supportive shoulder can work wonders to lower your stress levels. Just being around loved ones can deplete stress exponentially.
If you can, set aside one day a week—like Sundays—to connect with family and friends. You could host a backyard barbecue, have a cozy Sunday gathering, or enjoy a laid-back lunch with your closest pals.
For those with chronic illness, finding ways to socialize that are manageable is key. Maybe instead of a big gathering, you can plan one-on-one visits with close friends or family members. Keep it low-key: a chat over the phone, a video call, or even just sitting together while enjoying a favorite hobby can provide the connection and support you need without overwhelming your energy.
If you can, set aside one day a week—like Sundays—to connect with family and friends. You could host a simple gathering, like a cozy afternoon tea, a movie marathon in your living room, or a relaxed lunch. Consider hosting at your home where you can control the environment and rest as needed. If hosting feels like too much, you could also suggest a casual hangout at a local café or park with minimal walking required.
Living far from loved ones can make socializing harder, but there are still ways to connect. Meet up with friends at church, local events, or even schedule small group meet-ups on platforms like MeetUp.com. Many communities also offer virtual groups, which can be a great option for those with chronic illness who may need to limit travel or physical activity.
And when it comes to hosting, don’t stress the details. Focusing on perfection will only work against you. Keep things simple: use paper plates, napkins, and plastic utensils for easy cleanup. Maybe even order pizza instead of cooking! Remember, your health is the priority, and your loved ones will appreciate the quality time over any elaborate setup.
Stress may feel like an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to be. By prioritizing your peace of mind and adjusting your expectations, you can find simple solutions to the challenges that are weighing you down. Socializing doesn’t have to drain you; with a little creativity and self-care, you can still enjoy meaningful connections. Adjust how you see and handle the stress, and you’ll discover that both beauty and stress are truly in the eye of the beholder!
