Say Less, Don't Stress

Author: Rachel A.

When your calendar is packed, your brain won’t slow down. Even "rest" feels like work. You’re not just tired, you’re overwhelmed.

Stress has a way of creeping into every corner of life, making even the simplest tasks feel difficult. It can leave you mentally foggy, physically drained, and emotionally on edge. But the good news is that stress doesn’t have to control your life. Let’s unpack where stress comes from, what it does to your body, and most importantly, how to manage it in real, practical ways. No trendy TikTok hacks, just honest strategies that actually work.

Stress doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It’s our body’s response to pressure, uncertainty, or change. Sometimes it’s obvious, like cramming for exams. But other times, it sneaks in like social pressure or feeling like you have to “keep it all together.” Big life events or little daily stressors wear us down. Over time, your body starts treating everyday life like a constant emergency. That’s when burnout, anxiety, or even physical illness can start to show up.

There are three main types of stress: acute, episodic, and chronic. Acute stress is short-term and the most common form. It could be what you feel when you’re rushing to meet a deadline, dealing with a sudden challenge, or feeling nervous before a big presentation. These moments are intense, but they’re temporary. Once the situation passes, the stress usually fades quickly. Episodic stress happens when those short bursts of stress become frequent, like when you’re always running late, or constantly feeling overwhelmed by tasks. This type of stress can make life feel like a never-ending rush, and it can start to feel normal, even though it’s not. Then there’s chronic stress, the long-term kind, often tied to ongoing problems like financial struggles or work burnout.

Managing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it completely. It’s about finding healthier ways to cope with it. One of the most important strategies is setting boundaries. Saying “no” can be one of the hardest things to do, especially when you feel obligated to meet others’ expectations, but it’s essential for protecting your time and mental health. However, by setting clear limits on your time and energy, you can prevent overload and avoid the constant feeling of being stretched too thin. Another method is deep breathing exercise and taking time for yourself. Taking a few minutes to focus on your breath or practice meditation can calm your nervous system and center your thoughts, helping you regain control of your stress. Time management and prioritization also play a crucial role in reducing stress. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic goals, and learning to prioritize can help you feel more in control.

In the end, managing stress isn’t about eliminating it altogether, but learning how to cope with it in healthier ways. Talking it out whether with a friend, family member, or therapist can provide much-needed relief, support, and a fresh perspective on your challenges. Equally important is prioritizing your sleep and nutrition. Rest and nourishment aren’t just about feeling good, they’re essential for maintaining the energy and mood you need to handle whatever comes your way. By setting boundaries, managing your time, and practicing self-care, you can keep stress from controlling your life and find balance in the chaos.

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022, December). 5 things you should know about stress. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, August 18). Stress management. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress/faq-20058508