How I Handle Stress

Today, I had a stressful meeting at work.

It got me thinking about the habits and systems I rely on to manage stress. Here are a few that have helped me the most:

Workouts

I work out 4–5 times a week. On especially busy or stressful weeks, those workouts become even more important. If I skip them, I feel more anxious and stressed throughout the day. But when I get in a good workout, especially in the morning, I feel mentally clear and ready to take on my day.

Journaling

When something’s bothering me, I set aside time in the morning or evening to think through it with pen and paper. I start with a stream-of-consciousness brain dump to get all my thoughts out, then use that clarity to process the emotion and think through what’s next. It helps me move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control.

Meditation

I try to meditate most days, usually around 3–4 times a week. Meditation helps me stay present and centered. One of the biggest things it’s taught me is emotional regulation. It’s taught me how to experience something without immediately labeling it as “good” or “bad.” Often, it’s our judgment of a situation that makes it more stressful than it needs to be.

Gratitude

Back in 2019, a friend gave me the Five Minute Journal for Christmas. It’s a simple gratitude practice that takes just a few minutes in the morning and evening. Even during difficult moments, it reminds me there’s always something to be thankful for.

Mindset

This one’s taken the longest to build. There’s no quick fix, just reps. Over the years, I’ve come to see stress not as something to avoid, but as something that can actually be good. It’s a signal that I’m growing.