Discover the Secrets to a Peaceful Mind in a Stressful World
March 27, 2025
6 min read
We live in extraordinary times, and there’s no denying that the world can feel overwhelming right now. I’ve felt it too—that weight in the chest, the racing mind at midnight, the sense that the future is a big, tangled knot. With the COVID-19 pandemic and countless unpredictable global events shaping our daily lives, stress has become a constant companion for so many of us. But here’s the truth I’ve learned along the way as someone navigating my own wellness path: It’s all about finding small, meaningful ways to take back control.
Today, I’m opening up about some of the strategies that have worked for me. By breaking it down into simple, actionable steps, my hope is that you’ll find encouragement to keep moving forward, one small victory at a time.
Stay Connected (Even If It’s From a Distance)
According to research, social connectedness has been shown to protect adults from depressive symptoms and disorders. A review of studies found that 83% tied higher levels of social support to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. This certainly resonates with me. Staying connected, even in small ways, made all the difference during the pandemic. Here’s how I made it work and how you can too:
Schedule Time to Talk
I started setting up weekly video calls with my family. We’d chat about everything from recipes to how the garden was faring. It wasn’t the same as being together in person, but those moments reminded me I wasn’t alone. If you’re feeling isolated, consider making it a point to call someone you trust—even ten minutes of heartfelt conversation can lift your spirits.
Send Love, Receive Love
One thing I found comforting was sending notes or small gifts to people I care about. Whether it was a handwritten letter or a care package filled with snacks, these tiny actions helped sustain my relationships. Never underestimate the power of letting someone know you’re thinking of them.
Weekly Nugget: Social bonds are powerful! Schedule one “connection check-in” this week. A quick call, an email, or even exchanging funny memes can go a long way to nourish your relationships.
Clear Your Mind by Managing Screen Time
Have you ever caught yourself spiraling into an endless scroll on your phone? I have, far more times than I’d like to admit. And here’s the kicker—I used to think this was helping me “stay informed.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
1. Limit the Negative
I’m no stranger to doomscrolling. At one point, I had headlines popping up on multiple apps, and each alert seemed worse than the last. I finally said, “Enough.” What helped was setting a boundary—I chose to check the news twice a day and even set timers to make sure I stuck to it.
2. Ask Yourself, “Why?”
One question I started asking myself is, “Why am I reaching for my phone right now?” Most of the time, it wasn’t for anything urgent. Being more mindful of my habits broke the cycle of constant checking.
3. Seek Positive Content
Rather than consuming back-to-back bad news, I began following accounts that made me laugh or taught me something useful. From inspiring stories to simple bucket lists for self-care, my feed became a source of positivity rather than stress.
Weekly Nugget: Take a five-minute screen break every hour. Stand up, stretch, grab water, or glance out the window. These tiny breaks can reset your brain and keep stress at bay.
Nourish Your Body, Support Your Mind
If you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced firsthand how stress can wreak havoc on your eating habits. At the height of my anxiety earlier this year, I was snacking constantly on chips and sweets—not because I was hungry, but because I was craving comfort. While this might help short term, I quickly realized it was making me feel sluggish and irritable. That’s when I decided it was time to make some changes.
1. Fuel Yourself Wisely
I started meal-prepping, and you know what? It made my life easier and healthier. I kept it simple: roasted veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Prepping in advance meant I wasn’t scrambling at lunchtime, which helped me avoid impulsive, unhealthy choices.
2. Indulge in Moderation
While I’ve tried to focus on eating well, I’ve also learned it’s okay to treat yourself. One of my favorite traditions now is “feel-good Fridays,” where I enjoy a decadent dessert while catching up on my favorite show. Balance is key!
3. Get Moving
Exercise has been a game-changer for me. Whether it’s a power walk around the neighborhood, a dance workout in my kitchen, or a yoga session before bed, moving my body shakes off the tension. I always feel clearer and more grounded afterward.
Weekly Nugget: Give yourself a challenge! Try moving for 10 extra minutes each day this week, whether it’s stretching, walking, or even turning up your favorite song and dancing it out.
Practice Mindfulness to Find Your Center
I’ll admit it—I wasn’t convinced the whole mindfulness thing could work for me. Sitting quietly with my thoughts seemed counterintuitive when I was already battling anxiety. But after giving it a real shot, I’ve never looked back.
1. The Power of Breathing
One thing that helped me was a simple breathing technique. I’d count in for four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This practice, called “box breathing,” calmed me down during stressful moments, like when deadlines piled up or a headline triggered worry.
2. Find Your Flow
For me, mindfulness comes alive through journaling. Each night, I jot down three things I’m grateful for and one small moment of joy from the day. It might be as simple as noticing how good my coffee tasted or watching my dog chase her tail.
3. Yoga for the Soul
Trying yoga initially felt intimidating—I’m not exactly flexible! But then I stumbled across online beginner sessions and gave it a try. The mix of stretching and intentional breathing left me feeling both relaxed and accomplished.
Weekly Nugget: Start and end your day with one mindful moment. Spend just five minutes noticing your breath, expressing gratitude, or quietly sipping your tea without distractions.
Seek Support When You Need It
Here’s something I want you to hear loud and clear: Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing. A few months ago, I hit a tipping point when none of my usual coping mechanisms were enough. That’s when I turned to a therapist, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
1. Telehealth Options Make It Easier
The pandemic has brought telehealth to the forefront, which means you can connect with a counselor from the comfort of your home. At first, I was hesitant about virtual therapy, but it was convenient, approachable, and effective.
2. Be Honest With Yourself
Talking to someone doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers. When I started therapy, I worried I’d have nothing “big” to say. But once I began opening up, it became clear that just having a judgment-free space to process my thoughts was invaluable.
3. Find Resources That Work for You
Not ready for therapy just yet? That’s okay too. There are hotlines, apps, and online communities where you can find support. Whatever step feels manageable is the right step for you.
Let’s Keep Showing Up for Ourselves!
Over the past few years, I’ve realized that dealing with stress isn’t about eliminating it entirely (because, sadly, we can’t click a magic “off” switch). Instead, it’s about equipping ourselves with tools to handle it better. Some days will still be hard, but small, intentional actions can make them more bearable.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. I hope my own experiences inspire you to try something new or give yourself grace as you figure it out. No matter where you are on your wellness journey, every step counts toward building a fuller, richer life. We’ve got this, one moment at a time.
