Stress sucks. I know this firsthand—not just from everyday pressures, but from life-altering moments. A few years ago, I missed a month of work, lost my driver’s license for six months, and was on seizure medication for over a year. At the time, it felt like a mountain of stress. Looking back, I realize much of it was out of my control—but that didn’t make it easier.
Now, I’m in a different kind of stress spiral: the slow burn of bad habits, work mistakes, and winter laziness. This post is part self-therapy, part reminder of what actually helps me cope. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe some of these stress relief tips will work for you too.
My Stress Wake-Up Call (And How I Handled It)
I work remotely as an accountant for a small law firm—a dream compared to my old commute to downtown Seattle. But working from home has its downsides. When you can roll out of bed and log on, it’s easy to slip into bad routines.
This week, I found a stack of seven unsigned trust checks from a year ago. I’d attached all the backup but never got them signed… and then forgot about them entirely.
Cue the panic.
Instead of making excuses (my old go-to), I owned it. I emailed my boss: “This was unacceptable. Here’s what happened.” No deflection, just accountability. Stress often comes from avoiding hard truths—facing them head-on is the first step to relief.
What Actually Helps Me Relieve Stress
1. Get Away from the Damn Screen
Staring at a computer for 8+ hours a day is brutal. My fixes:
- Take a walk: My local park saves me. Even 15 minutes outside resets my brain.
- Drive with the sunroof open: Seattle sunshine is rare—when it’s here, I blast music (Sirius comedy channels or NBA playoffs commentary) and just go.
2. Find a Small, Satisfying Project
I asked my landlord if I could try gardening in the backyard. Zero experience, but digging in the dirt = instant therapy. Bonus if something actually grows!
3. Create Daily Routines (But Keep Them Simple)
- Swap unhealthy habits: Winter laziness had me eating Taco Bell daily. Now? Rotisserie chicken + salad. Not glamorous, but better.
- Tiny wins matter: Dishes, laundry, a 10-minute walk—small routines build momentum.
4. Mental Relief: Laugh and Connect
- Comedy over chaos: Sirius radio’s comedy stations or absurd bumper stickers (“0 to 55 in 11 minutes” on a VW van) lighten the mood.
- Talk to people: Even sending dumb Instagram reels to friends keeps me connected.
5. Stop Judging (Yourself and Others)
Years ago, I saw an overweight woman struggling to board a bus while passengers rolled their eyes. But she was going to work—hustling despite challenges. Judging others (or ourselves) fuels stress. Catch yourself, then let it go.
The Bigger Picture: Stress Isn’t Solved, It’s Managed
I’m lucky: great job, healthy family, a son about to graduate. But stress doesn’t care about your blessings. What helps me:
- Focus on control: Fix what you can (like unsigned checks), accept what you can’t.
- Ask for help: I’m terrible at this, but it’s necessary. Pride doesn’t reduce stress.
This post was my therapy session. If it helps you too, let me know in the comments. And if you’ve got your own stress relief tips, share them—we’re all figuring it out.
