Life can feel like one long episode of a stressful reality show. Between juggling work, bills, relationships, unexpected drama, and the occasional existential crisis at 3 a.m., it’s no wonder I’ve often found myself needing to hit the emotional reset button.
For the longest time, I thought finding relief meant escaping my problems entirely. Spoiler alert: that didn’t work. What actually helped?
Learning how to handle life without losing my mind. I’m talking about real, down-to-earth strategies that helped me breathe easier, sleep better, and not bite someone’s head off when they chewed too loudly.
Here’s what’s worked for me—and maybe it’ll work for you too.
How to find relief in life
1. First, I Understood What Stress Was Doing to Me
I used to think stress was just part of being an adult, like paying taxes or pretending to like kale. But when I started getting headaches, losing sleep, and turning into a grumpy troll, I realized stress was doing more harm than I thought.
Whether it was work drama, money issues, or relationship messiness, I was constantly in “fight or flight” mode. My heart would race, my shoulders would tense up like bricks, and I’d either lash out or shut down. And don’t even get me started on the mood swings—one minute I’m fine, the next I’m crying because I dropped a spoon.
The first step for me was noticing the signs—like clenching my jaw, skipping meals, doom-scrolling at 1 a.m., or snapping at innocent bystanders (sorry, grocery store cashier). Once I saw the pattern, I knew I had to make some changes.
Related: How to Improve Your Life And Become A Better Person
2. I Discovered Mindfulness (And No, It’s Not Just Sitting Like a Monk)
At first, I thought mindfulness meant I had to light incense and hum in lotus position. Nope. Mindfulness, for me, was just about noticing where I was, what I was feeling, and not beating myself up for it.
One simple trick that really helped? The “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise. I’d be mid-anxiety spiral and remind myself:
- 5 things I can see
- 4 things I can touch
- 3 things I can hear
- 2 things I can smell
- 1 thing I can taste
It brought me back to Earth—fast. I also got into short guided meditations (thank you, YouTube and Calm app). I’d start with five minutes a day, breathing deeply, focusing on my breath, and telling my thoughts, “Not now, Karen.”
The more I practiced, the more I felt like I had a secret weapon against chaos.
Related: 13 Ways to Practice Mindfulness And Its Benefits
3. I Moved My Body (Even When I Didn’t Feel Like It)
I’m not a gym rat. I don’t wake up at 5 a.m. to do deadlifts. But I did find out that moving my body—even a 20-minute walk—made a huge difference.
Some days, I danced around my room to Beyoncé like no one was watching (because no one was). Other times, I’d go for a hike or stretch while watching TV. Eventually, I worked in yoga and swimming, which helped release tension I didn’t even realize I was holding.
And you know what? I slept better, laughed more, and didn’t feel like the world was out to get me.
3. I Reconnected with Nature (AKA: I Touched Grass)
There’s something magical about being outside. Even a walk around the block helped me clear my head. I’d watch the trees sway, listen to birds, and suddenly my problems didn’t feel so gigantic.
I even started gardening. Nothing too fancy—just a few herbs and some stubborn tomatoes. But taking care of something alive (and watching it grow without overthinking) grounded me in a way therapy memes couldn’t.
And on rough days, I’d take a solo picnic to the park, lie under a tree, and pretend I was in a movie montage about personal growth.
Related: How to Develop a Growth Mindset
4. I Leaned on My People
I used to think I had to tough things out alone. But bottling everything up just made me feel more isolated—and a little explosive. So, I reached out.
I called friends. I had long coffee dates. I told my sister when I was falling apart instead of pretending I was fine. It wasn’t always easy, but I felt lighter every time someone said, “I get it.”
And when my support circle wasn’t enough, I found online communities and even considered therapy. Talking helps. You don’t have to carry it all yourself.
5. I Took Self-Care Seriously (No, Not Just Bubble Baths)
Self-care isn’t just about face masks (though I do love a good cucumber mask). It’s about asking, “What do I need right now to feel like myself again?”
Sometimes, it was sleep. Other times, it was eating a real meal and not chips in bed. I made time for things I loved—reading, journaling, making playlists, even just lying in silence doing absolutely nothing.
I realized that when I took care of myself, I showed up better—for work, for relationships, for life.
6. I Unplugged (And Survived Without Instagram, Somehow)
I didn’t want to admit it, but my phone was stressing me out. Social media made me compare myself to strangers with perfect lighting and fake lives. So, I set boundaries.
I turned off notifications. I stopped doom-scrolling before bed. I even took occasional “screen sabbaths” (yes, I made that up) where I didn’t check my phone for hours.
Instead, I read a book. I journaled. I talked to actual humans. And slowly, I felt more present, more focused, and way less anxious.
7. I Got Creative
Writing became my therapy. I’d pour out my feelings in a notebook—even if it was messy or made no sense. Other times, I’d doodle, sing loudly in the shower, or paint random colors on a canvas like a 5-year-old.
It didn’t matter if it looked good. It mattered that it helped me release whatever was weighing me down.
Creative outlets helped me get out of my head and into something playful. And honestly? They reminded me I was more than just my stress.
Final Thoughts
Finding relief in life isn’t about escaping stress forever (I wish). It’s about figuring out what helps you breathe a little easier each day. For me, that meant mindfulness, movement, nature, connection, self-care, less screen time, and creativity.
Some days are still hard. But I’ve built a toolkit. And whenever life feels too loud, I know how to turn down the volume—one deep breath, one walk, one real conversation at a time.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just know: you’re not alone. And relief? It’s closer than you think.
Save the pin for later
- How to Find Relief in Life - 29/04/2025
- Why Narcissists Dangerous: What I've Learned - 29/04/2025
- Why Narcissists Hate Their Partners - 28/04/2025