That familiar tightness in your chest just won’t ease up huh? Or maybe it’s that racing mind that keeps you up at night. Stress. It’s like an unwelcome guest who overstays their welcome. We all feel it. Sometimes it’s a dull hum in the background. Other times it’s a roaring tidal wave threatening to pull us under.
I know what it’s like when stress feels overwhelming. Our founder Stephen Montagne has been there too. Before he found his way to a healthier life he battled things like binge eating and endless hours of gaming. Those were his ways of trying to cope with pressure and a lack of purpose. But he learned that true decompression comes from healthier habits not quick fixes. It's about finding sustainable ways to manage life's inevitable pressures.
Finding Your Calm in the Chaos
Life throws a lot at us. Juggling work family and personal goals can feel like a constant tightrope walk. When stress levels spike it’s easy to feel like you’re losing your balance. But here’s the good news. You have the power to find your calm even when things feel chaotic. It’s not about eliminating stress completely. That’s probably impossible. It’s about learning how to navigate it better. How to release that pressure valve before it blows.
Here are 11 simple ways to help you decompress when you’re feeling that high stress. You don’t have to do them all. Just pick one or two that resonate with you today.
-
Breathe Deeply for a Minute. It sounds too simple right? But focused breathing sends a calm signal to your brain. Inhale slowly through your nose hold for a few seconds then exhale slowly through your mouth. Try it for just 60 seconds. Stephen often used moments of intentional pause like this when he was breaking old habits like mindless snacking. It creates a space between the stressor and your reaction.
-
Move Your Body Gently. You don’t need an intense workout. A short walk some gentle stretches or even just dancing to a song can release tension. When Stephen started his journey to lose over 110 pounds he didn’t begin with marathon gym sessions. He started with small consistent movements. This built momentum and helped him feel better both physically and mentally. Movement releases endorphins natural mood lifters.
-
Step Outside. Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders. Spend five minutes in your backyard on your balcony or just looking out a window if you can't go far. Notice the sky the trees a bird. Connecting with nature even in small ways is grounding. It reminds us there’s a bigger world beyond our current stress.
-
Tune Into Calm Sounds. Put on some soothing music a nature sounds track or a calming podcast. Sound has a powerful effect on our mood. Close your eyes and let the sounds wash over you. This is an easy way to create a mini-sanctuary wherever you are.
-
Write It All Down. Grab a notebook and just pour out whatever is on your mind. Don’t worry about grammar or making sense. This brain dump can help you process feelings and sometimes even identify solutions. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper can make them feel less overwhelming.
-
Engage in a Healthy Flow State. Remember how Stephen used to get lost in gaming for hours? That was a search for escape. Now he channels that desire for focus into productive work bursts and healthy hobbies. Find an activity you enjoy that absorbs your attention. It could be drawing playing an instrument gardening or cooking. Losing yourself in a positive activity quiets the mental chatter.
-
Talk It Out with Someone. Share what you’re going through with a trusted friend family member or even a professional. Voicing your stress can lessen its power. Sometimes just knowing someone else understands makes a huge difference. For Stephen his growing faith also provided a deep sense of connection and someone to turn to in prayer.
-
Count Your Blessings Literally. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to stress. Stephen makes daily gratitude a cornerstone of his routine. Take a moment to list three things you’re grateful for right now. They can be big or small. Focusing on the good shifts your perspective and reminds you of the positive aspects of your life even during tough times.
-
Break Tasks Down and Celebrate Small Wins. Feeling swamped by a huge to-do list? Break overwhelming tasks into tiny manageable steps. Each time you complete a small step acknowledge it. Celebrate that small win. This was key for Stephen in losing weight and building GoodExistence.com. Small consistent efforts add up to big changes and each tiny victory builds confidence.
-
Unplug from Technology. Constant notifications and screen time can seriously amp up stress. Set aside specific times to disconnect from your phone and computer. Even 30 minutes of tech-free time can help you feel more present and calm. Stephen’s productive routine of 2-4 hours of deep work also involves minimizing distractions which naturally includes managing tech.
-
Lean on Your Inner Strength or Faith. For Stephen strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith has been a profound source of peace and purpose. If you have a spiritual practice turn to it. Prayer meditation or reading spiritual texts can be incredibly grounding. If faith isn't your path connect with your own inner resilience your values or a philosophy that gives you strength.
Take One Small Step Today
Decompressing from high stress isn’t about a magical fix. It’s about building a toolkit of strategies that work for you. Remember Stephen’s journey from unhealthy habits to a balanced life wasn’t overnight. It was a series of small consistent choices.
You don’t have to master all these techniques at once. Just pick one. Which of these 11 ways feels most doable for you right now? Try it today. Even a few minutes of intentional decompression can make a world of difference. You’ve got this. What’s one small thing you’ll do to ease that pressure?
