Stress Management: Navigating when life feels out of control
Stress—The Unwanted Roommate
Stress is like that one roommate who never does the dishes, leaves cryptic passive-aggressive notes, and somehow still manages to control your entire mood. Whether it’s work deadlines breathing down your neck, relationship drama worthy of a soap opera, government policies that make you question reality, or just the general chaos of life—you’re not alone. Stress is universal. But, thankfully, so are ways to manage it.
The Science of Stress: Why Your Brain Thinks You’re Being Chased by a Bear
Your brain is like an overprotective bodyguard. The moment it perceives a threat (whether it’s an email from your boss or an actual bear), it releases cortisol and adrenaline, preparing you for a fight-or-flight response. This can be great for escaping predators, but not so great for surviving back-to-back Zoom meetings. Chronic stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health issues. So, let’s look at some ways to calm the overzealous security guard in your head.
Coping Strategies for Life’s Biggest Stressors
1. Work Stress: Surviving the 9-to-5
Set Boundaries – You are not a 24/7 customer service rep. Try to clock out mentally as well as physically.
The Pomodoro Technique – Work in focused bursts with breaks in between. Science says it boosts productivity and lowers stress.
Deep Breathing – If your boss sends you a “quick email” at 4:59 PM, take a deep breath before replying. Fun fact: controlled breathing reduces cortisol levels.
2. Relationship Stress: Stay connected, even in conflict
Active Listening – Sometimes, people don’t want solutions; they just want to be heard. Nod, say “I understand,” and resist the urge to fix everything.
Humor as a Diffuser – Laughter lowers stress hormones. Next time there’s tension, try cracking a light joke (but avoid anything that starts with “Calm down…”).
Take a Timeout – Walking away from an argument doesn’t mean losing. It means avoiding saying something regrettable.
3. Political Stress: Because Doom Scrolling isn’t a coping mechanism
Control What You Can – Vote, advocate, stay informed—but don’t let things outside your control dictate your mental peace.
Limit News Consumption – Set specific times to check news updates. No one needs a cortisol spike before bed.
Community Engagement – Connect with like-minded people; collective action feels less overwhelming than individual stress.
4. The Things We Can’t Control: Making Peace with Chaos
Mindfulness & Meditation – Your brain will resist at first (“This is boring!”), but even 5 minutes a day can help train your mind to stay present. Some meditation apps offer free memberships if you are skeptical or are unable to afford it (try Waking Up App – you can request a scholarship for a free membership).
Journaling – Getting thoughts onto paper is like decluttering your brain. Plus, you can look back later and get a fresh perspective on what you have been through.
Adopt the “It Is What It Is” Mindset – Some things are simply out of our control. When we operate from a place of "what can I control?" we tend to stress less about what is outside of our control.
Stress Isn’t the Enemy—How You Handle It Is
Stress is inevitable, but how we respond to it makes all the difference. With a mix of science-backed strategies, a sense of humor, and a little self-compassion, we can turn stress from an overwhelming force into just another part of life’s unpredictable ride.
And if all else fails—deep breaths, a nap, and a snack can be practical and helpful.
