10 Fresh Mindset Habits to Manage Stress and Bring Balance to Your Life

Are you overwhelmed more often than you’re at peace?

Stress—just hearing the word can feel overwhelming.

Already, you feel tight and want to hide under the blanket or shut off the world for the rest of the day.

Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or just the daily grind, stress has a sneaky way of creeping into our lives. While some stress is natural and even helpful in small doses, too much can leave you feeling frazzled and burned out.

How often do you feel like life is constantly pulling you in multiple directions?

It's important to keep in mind that stress is a natural part of life. Something or someone will always be testing us. But it is not that event or person that is causing us stress, it is now we are reacting to it.

The good news? Managing stress doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few practical strategies, you can regain control, feel more relaxed, and bring balance back into your life.

Let’s dive into 10 simple ways to keep stress in check.

1. Identify Your Stress Triggers

The first step in managing stress is figuring out what’s causing it.

Look, we are all different and, therefore, are impacted differently by the same circumstances. For one person, running late sends stress levels through the roof, while for others, they are unfazed if they arrive a few minutes late.

So what is it that is stressing us? Is it work pressure? Financial worries? A packed schedule? Once you know your triggers, you can start addressing them. Take a few minutes to write down what’s weighing on your mind. Sometimes, simply identifying the root cause of stress can make it feel more manageable. It’s like untangling a knot—you need to see where it starts before you can work through it.

2. Practice Deep Breathing

When stress hits, your body often reacts with shallow, rapid breathing. To counter this, try deep breathing exercises.

Even the simple act of taking the time to breathe makes us intentionally slow down, at the very least, and mentally walk away from the immediate urgency that is hitting us like a sledgehammer.

Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose for a count of four, hold it for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this a few times, and you’ll likely feel calmer almost instantly. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to reset your mind and body during stressful moments.

3. Move Your Body

How much better do you feel when you go for a walk, a run or a gym session?

Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health—it’s a fantastic stress buster, too. When you move, your body releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can instantly boost your mood. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours or climb a snow-peaked mountain. Even a 20-minute walk, a quick yoga session, or dancing to your favourite playlist can work wonders. |At times, just getting out of the building for lunch and walking to get a coffee can make a world of difference. The key is to find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your routine.

4. Create a Daily Routine

Habits are important. Well, I hope so, as the whole of this blog series is based on them!

Sometimes, stress comes from feeling like life is out of control. At these times, we need to feel that we are regaining some of that control and having a say in what we are doing.

Having a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of stability. Set specific times for work, meals, relaxation, and sleep.

In recent years, when many of us have been working from home, our work and leisure time have muddled, and before we know it, we are sacrificing our relaxation time in the pursuit of completing our work tasks. Unless we intentionally make the time, it will simply be given to tasks that may impact our physical and mental health. Knowing what to expect in your day can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. Plus, routines make it easier to include stress-relief activities like exercise and mindfulness.

5. Take Breaks and Disconnect

We live in a world that’s always "on," and it can be exhausting. Information and demands are coming at us from all different directions. It feels like we are a human dartboard!

Give yourself permission to take breaks, both big and small. Step away from your screen, go for a walk, or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea. Even the simple technique of having a mental break every hour does the world of good. I think we all know how we feel after seeing our mortal enemy enjoying a wonderful beach holiday whilst we are stuck on a crowded train. Let's not do that to ourselves.

And don’t be afraid to unplug—turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and give yourself some digital detox time.

It’s amazing how much calmer you’ll feel when you’re not constantly connected.

6. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

Many people may perceive that mindfulness involves undertaking yoga on a deserted beach with classical music in the background. It doesn't have to be that extreme! It is actually simpler than you think.

Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment without judgment. It’s a great way to quiet the chatter in your mind and reduce stress. Try a guided meditation app, spend a few minutes observing your surroundings, or simply focus on your breathing. You don’t need to be a meditation expert to reap the benefits; even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a big difference.

7. Prioritize Self-Care

You have to look after yourself before you can look after others. A car with an empty tank can't continue forever, and neither can you. How full is your tank?

Our lives are always about constant giving, giving, giving, but what do we do to replenish our reserves?

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, soaking in a bubble bath, gardening, or watching your favourite show. Even a glass of wine can do the trick (but not at 11 am).

Self-care looks different for everyone, so find what makes you happy and carve out time for it regularly. When you prioritize yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle stress when it arises.

8. Reach Out for Support

No person is an island. The world isn't for us to solve alone. Let's have the courage to admit when we need help. This may be physical or emotional support.

You don’t have to face stress alone. Talking to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or therapist—can help you process your feelings and gain perspective.

Sometimes, just venting can be a huge relief. I think many of our family and friends have been good sounding boards when we need to get things off our chest. If stress feels unmanageable, consider seeking professional support. Therapists and counsellors can offer tools and strategies tailored to your situation.

9. Eat Well and Sleep Better

Your body and mind are connected, so what you eat and how you sleep directly impact your stress levels.

How many times do we make things worse when we are stressed? Instead of taking the time to enjoy lunch, we quickly dissolve a packet of chips or some other junk food. We soothe our stress with food, cigarettes, and booze. Does this solve the problem? Well, in the long run, it doesn't, I'm afraid.

We need to focus on ensuring we are strong enough to handle and tackle what comes our way.

This means we need to eat right and get enough sleep. It's as simple as that!

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can give you the energy to tackle life’s challenges. And don’t skimp on sleep—aim for 7-9 hours a night. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, like reading or meditating, can help you wind down and sleep more soundly.

10. Focus on What You Can Control

We can't control everything in life. The sooner we realize this, the better. Remember, we can only control how we react to it.

Stress often comes from worrying about things outside your control. Instead of trying to fix everything, focus on what you can influence. Break big problems into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. Let go of perfectionism and remind yourself that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Shifting your perspective to what’s within your power can be incredibly freeing.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over. I like to think of it as an annoying co-worker that I have to tolerate. I try to give it the least amount of attention it deserves! By incorporating these simple strategies, you can create a healthier relationship with stress and find more peace in your daily life. Remember, managing stress isn’t about eliminating it completely—it’s about finding ways to navigate it with resilience and grace.