Unhealthy Stress? Unlock Six Simple Steps to a Calmer, Healthier You in 2025 (Revised)
Common Steps and Next Level Insights.
Let’s talk about responsibility—not just for what we do, but how we respond to what life throws at us.
Yeah, I’m going there.
Because let’s face it—life hasn’t been kind to most of us.
Trauma. Loss. Setbacks.
They leave scars. Deep ones.
But the big question isn’t about what’s behind us.
It’s about what’s next.
We can’t rewrite the past. Trust me, I’ve tried.
But we can choose what we do with it.
So, how do we heal?
How do we move forward?
And how do we let go of the anger and bitterness that threaten to keep us stuck?
Healing Isn’t a Fantasy
It might feel impossible. But it’s not.
I say this not as someone who’s read the self-help books or sat through a seminar, but as someone who’s lived it.
Abuse, addiction, loss—they’ve all been part of my story. At one point, I thought I’d never climb out.
But I did. And here’s the thing—I’m no different than you. If I can do it, you can too.
Healing is messy. It doesn’t come wrapped in a bow.
It comes through raw moments of truth, tears, and grit. It comes from sitting with the pain and deciding it doesn’t own you.
Some days, my body remembers the trauma.
That’s real.
But here’s the kicker: trauma and chronic stress don’t just weigh on your mind—they wreak havoc on your body.
I’ve seen it firsthand in my years as an RN.
Stress isn’t just “in your head.” It affects every. single. cell. in your body.
I’ve seen stress trigger strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and hypertension.
It weakens your immune system, disrupts your central nervous system, and over time? It batters your cardiovascular health.
That’s not to mention what it does to your mental health—feeding anxiety, depression, and even burnout.
Holding onto anger, resentment, or bitterness? That’s like pouring gasoline on the fire.
It doesn’t hurt the people or events that caused you pain.
It hurts you.
So, yes—it’s time to let it go.
Start Simple and With What You Can Manage
Healing doesn’t happen all at once.
It’s a process.
It’s daily.
But here’s the good news: it’s doable.
Common Steps:
1. Set Boundaries
Write down what drains your energy versus what restores it to identify where your boundaries are needed.
Practice saying “no” using simple, firm phrases like, “I can’t commit to that right now.” Keep it brief and guilt-free.
Schedule personal time on your calendar—whether it’s rest, hobbies, or quiet—and protect it like “your life depends on it”.
2. Nourish Your Body
Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
Start your day with water “before anything else” to rehydrate and jumpstart your system.
Cut down on sugar by swapping processed treats for “natural options” like organic fruit or herbal teas.
3. Move
Take a daily walk, ideally in nature, to release stress and boost your mood.
Do a ten-minute stretch routine during the day and before bed to loosen up tension from your shoulders, neck, and back.
Dance to one or two upbeat songs—it’s quick, energizing, and gets those feel-good endorphins flowing.
4. Connect With Nature
Spend at least twenty minutes outside every day—sit under a tree, walk in the park, or just soak in some sun. Break it up throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be all at once.
Play nature sounds (like waterfalls, birdsong, or rain) if you can’t get outside to mimic its calming effects. I use YouTube and get the scenery too.
Bring nature indoors with houseplants or fresh flowers to create a soothing environment. We have all types of wildflowers that grow on our 10 acres. I cut them and bring them in and put them around the house.
5. Reflect and Release
Journal your thoughts daily without judgment to clear mental clutter.
Practice box breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and repeat until you “feel a shift”. It’s calming and simple.
Write down three or more things you’re grateful for daily to train your mind to focus on positives.
6. Find Joy
Watch a comedy or spend time with someone who “makes you laugh”. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Do something you love every day—reading, baking, or listening to your favorite music are great options. Music is my go to 🎶
Create simple joy rituals, like enjoying your morning tea in silence, petting your beloved animal, or wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket at the end of the day.