The Definition of Stress

Stress is a funny thing. It’s that feeling you get when you’ve got so much to do, but you can’t even find your shoes, let alone your motivation. It’s that constant hum in the back of your head which is your anxiety bubbling up.

Stress happens when you’ve taken on too many things, or when you’re in a situation that feels, too much. It's your body’s response to pressure, let’s be real: stress is just your brain’s way of saying, "Oh boy, here we go again.

Stop taking yourself so seriously. Stress thrives on perfectionism. The moment you drop the “I have to do everything perfectly” mindset, you might find that it’s a little easier to breathe. I mean, we all love a good Netflix binge, but did you know that self-compassion can be equally effective in managing stress?

Now, I’m not here to tell you to just “think happy thoughts” or “live in the moment” because that’s not realistic. Sometimes, stress comes crashing into your life, and no amount of deep breathing will help. But it’s important to remind yourself that stress is temporary. The overwhelming feeling you're experiencing now is not going to last forever.

What is helpful, though, is embracing self-care. Self-care can be as simple as stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air, eating something that isn’t a candy bar, or journaling your random thoughts. You’re essentially creating little moments of peace in the storm that is your daily existence. It’s about reclaiming some control in a world that feels like it’s spinning way too fast.

Stress is everywhere. You’re more resilient than you give yourself credit for. And if all else fails, remember that humour is a secret weapon against stress.

So go ahead. Embrace the chaos and know that you’re not alone. Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control your life. If all else fails, take a deep breath and remind yourself that life is too short to spend it constantly worrying about the next catastrophe.