Managing Stress
Stress. It’s one of those things we all deal with, whether we’re at work, at home, or somewhere in between. As educators, parents, and leaders, the weight we carry can feel overwhelming at times. But here’s the truth: managing stress isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about building practices that help us navigate them.
Here are a few ways I’ve learned to manage stress in my own life:
1. Take a Breath (Literally)
When things feel chaotic, pause. Take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, and release it slowly. Repeat. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. Giving yourself a moment to reset can shift your entire mindset.
Try the 4-7-8 breathing method:
Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
Hold the breath for 7 seconds
Exhale slowly through the mouth for 8 seconds
2. Set Boundaries
You can’t be everything to everyone all the time. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to unplug. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you healthy.
3. Find Your People
Surround yourself with those who lift you up. Call a friend, meet a colleague for coffee, or just text someone who gets it. Connection can be a lifeline when stress tries to pull you under. And don’t hide under the guise of “But I don’t want to burden them”. When you’re sharing your struggles with a friend, they never feel burdened. But they WILL feel burdened when they find out you were in pain and they missed it and didn’t help.
4. Move Your Body
You don’t have to run marathons, but a short walk, stretching, or even dancing in your kitchen can do wonders for your mood and mind. I love just going for a quick walk around my neighborhood.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
Stress often comes from feeling out of control. Take a step back and ask yourself: What can I actually influence here? Focus your energy there, and let go of the rest.
Try a favorite of mine, sensory grounding:
What are 5 things you can see?
What are 4 things you can touch?
What are 3 things you can hear?
What are 2 things you can smell?
What is 1 thing you can taste?
Managing stress is a journey, not a destination. Give yourself grace along the way. You’re doing important work. You matter. And remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup—take care of yourself so you can continue to pour into others.
You were meant for this.
