Stress Happens, But I Don’t Have to Stay There
Teaching is stressful. Life is stressful. And no matter how much I plan, there are days that simply do not go the way I imagined. Sometimes you put in the work and things still don’t pan out, and it’s easy to spiral. I’ll be real with you, I vent, I spiral, I get caught in negative thought loops just like anyone else.
But here’s the difference: I’ve built routines and systems that help me redirect those thoughts before they consume me. My goal isn’t to eliminate stress (that’s not realistic). My goal is to fill my cup in little ways throughout the day so that I can reset, reframe, and keep showing up as the person I want to be.
If you’ve ever wondered how to handle stress naturally or looked for simple stress relief habits that actually work, I hope this post gives you a few small, practical ideas that make your days lighter.
Here are the small, daily practices I use to handle stress and redirect negative energy. These are calming daily rituals that help me maintain my positivity and protect my peace.
1. My Routines Start the Night Before
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that tomorrow starts tonight. When I prepare the night before, my mornings flow so much smoother and my stress level stays low.
- I pack my gym bag and lay out my outfit so there’s no decision fatigue at 6 a.m.
- I make my lunch ahead of time, because nothing adds more morning chaos than scrambling to throw food together.
- I prioritize sleep as part of wellness, and my “sleepy girl mocktail” has become a nightly ritual that signals to my body it’s time to wind down.
These little things might not seem groundbreaking, but they’re foundational. Stress thrives in disorder. Preparing ahead gives me a calm start and reduces the number of small frustrations that can pile up into a bad mood. This is one of the simplest daily stress relief routines that keeps my mind grounded.
2. Building Wellness Into Everyday Rituals
I’ve turned basic routines into sensory self-care moments. For me, even something as simple as a shower can be a reset button.
I use two different soaps, followed by layering body butter and a body oil. It’s not just about skin care, it’s about signaling to myself that I am cared for, that I can pause, and that I deserve rituals that feel good.
These little touches create moments of grounding in the middle of otherwise busy days. Wellness doesn’t always mean grand spa days or elaborate routines. Sometimes it’s in the texture of body butter, the smell of soap, or the comfort of slipping into a freshly made bed. These rituals are a big part of how to handle stress naturally and stay connected to my body. It’s one of my favorite simple wellness habits for resetting my energy.
3. Journaling and Digital Systems
Journaling is one of my strongest tools for reframing stress. My iPad holds most of my journals, from gratitude to Bible, to wellness journals, and more. That way, my reflections and resets live in one easy-to-access hub.
I’ll be honest: I don’t always feel like journaling. But almost every single time I sit down and write, I feel lighter afterward. It’s like hitting the reset button on my mindset.
Here are some ways I use journaling to redirect negative energy:
- Writing gratitude lists when I feel stuck in negativity.
- Logging one small win from the day.
- Using Bible study and prayer journals to anchor myself in faith.
- Revisiting my “whys” during stressful seasons so I don’t lose sight of my purpose.
Journaling is proof that peace doesn’t have to look like silence. Sometimes, peace looks like typing furiously into an iPad until your brain feels clear again. For me, this is one of the most powerful stress relief habits and a key part of how to handle stress naturally without bottling everything up.
4. Midday Breaks to Clear My Head
As a teacher, my days are unpredictable. And while I can’t always control the chaos in the classroom, I can control how I reset during breaks.
That’s why my 15-minute lunchtime walk is non-negotiable. Even when I feel like I don’t have time, I remind myself that the walk will actually give me more energy and clarity for the afternoon.
Movement clears mental clutter. A short walk re-centers me and pulls me out of the spiral of “everything went wrong this morning.” It’s such a small thing, but it shifts my whole perspective. Simple movement is one of my favorite examples of how to handle stress naturally; it costs nothing, takes little time, but changes everything. It’s also one of the easiest ways to reduce stress during busy workdays.
5. Movement After Work
After work, I often still feel the weight of the day. That’s when I lean into movement again, whether it’s a walk, a run, or Pilates.
Exercise for me isn’t just about physical health. It’s about shaking off the stress, releasing tension, and reminding myself that my body can hold and release energy.
And I gotta be honest, I thrive when I indulge in active rest.
My peace doesn’t always look like sitting still. Sometimes peace looks like running down a path, breathing in the air, and letting the stress sweat out of me. Movement is one of the most reliable stress relief habits and a key way to practice how to handle stress naturally through action instead of avoidance.
6. Gratitude Practices That Anchor Me
Gratitude is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways I redirect negative energy.
- At the end of each workday, before leaving the building, I write down one thing that went well. Even if the day was chaotic, there’s always one bright spot worth acknowledging.
- At home, I use a gratitude journal on my iPad. I don’t always log daily, but I try to write at least a few times a week.
This simple shift reminds me: yes, there were challenges, but there were also moments of grace. Gratitude reframes the story I tell myself about my day and helps me remember that sometimes, the best answer to how to handle stress naturally is to focus on what’s already good. It’s a grounding mindfulness and self-care practice that changes my whole outlook.
7. Making Life Easier on Purpose
One of the ways I reduce stress is by investing in ease. I don’t love cooking, so instead of forcing it, I set up systems that make life simpler.
- Crockpot meals that save me from cooking on weeknights.
- Overnight oats I don’t have to think about in the morning.
- Protein shakes and coffee hacks (like mixing Premier Protein with coffee concentrate) that keep me fueled with minimal effort.
Sometimes wellness means spending a little money to buy back your time. And sometimes it means spending time to prepare something that will make tomorrow easier. Both are valid ways of caring for yourself, and they’re simple examples of how to handle stress naturally by designing an easier life. They’re also great daily stress relief routines that keep me from burning out.
8. Media, Mindset, and Environment
Another way I manage stress is by being intentional about what I consume. Media is powerful. The energy we take in influences the energy we put out.
That’s why I try to surround myself with positive content, whether it’s books, podcasts, or even the playlists I listen to. Currently, during my Winter Arc, I’m making it a point to mute or unfollow people who rage-bait online. I really am trying hard to cultivate a safe online space for myself. It doesn’t mean I avoid all hard conversations or difficult media, but I make sure the balance leans toward positivity and growth.
Wellness isn’t just about routines; it’s about shaping the environment that supports your best self. Curating your environment is another quiet example of how to handle stress naturally through calming daily rituals and mindful consumption.
9. Knowing When to Splurge (Time, Energy, or Money)
I’ve learned to see “splurging” as an act of self-care. Sometimes it’s financial, like buying overnight oats. Sometimes it’s time, like journaling, when I’d rather scroll my phone. And sometimes it’s energy, like cooking a real meal because I know it will nourish me.
Every splurge is an investment in future-me. Stress reduction isn’t about doing everything the cheapest or fastest way. It’s about asking: what will actually make me feel better and lighter? This mindset is one of my favorite simple wellness habits and a reminder that there are many ways to reduce stress that have nothing to do with perfection.
10. Re-Romanticizing Routines
One of my favorite ways to handle stress is by re-romanticizing the routines I don’t always feel like doing. The truth is, a lot of the time I don’t feel like blogging. I don’t feel like reading. I don’t feel like sitting down to do the thing that I know is good for me.
But what I do feel like is curling up with a cup of coffee, putting on some lo-fi music, lighting a candle, and turning on my fake fireplace. Those little touches set my brain up to say, “Okay, we’re about to work,” or “Okay, we’re about to read.” And suddenly, what felt like a chore now feels like a cozy ritual.
It’s also about creating positive associations. As we grow up, our brains start processing memories differently, and it’s so important to keep making things fun for ourselves. This is called creating systems and it’s a great hack for getting things done. By setting myself up for success with routines that feel romantic, cozy, or even a little magical, I’m reminding my brain that these tasks can bring joy. It’s not about forcing productivity, it’s about designing systems around what I actually like. And that mindset shift is a big part of how to handle stress naturally and staying consistent with my stress relief habits.
Final Thoughts: Choosing My Cup Over Chaos
At the end of the day, I’m not perfect. I still spiral. I still vent. Stress will always exist. But I’ve built systems and routines that keep me from living in that space of negativity.
I make my bed, I prep my food, I move my body, I write down gratitude, I take walks, I journal, and all of those things are small ways of saying: I choose to redirect my energy toward peace.
If you’ve ever wondered how to handle stress naturally, the answer is this: it’s not about being a different person. It’s about being the version of yourself who feels grounded, grateful, and resilient. These daily stress relief routines and calming daily rituals are what keep me steady through chaos.
And that’s what I hope you take away: You don’t have to copy my exact routines, but you can start with one or two small habits that help you redirect negative energy in your own day.
👉 What’s one thing you do to reframe stress when life feels overwhelming? Share it in the comments, I’d love to hear your ideas.
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