Stress Awareness Month: Mindful Ways to Find Calm

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it builds up, it can take a toll on our minds and bodies. The good news? We can work with our nervous system to create a sense of balance and ease. This Stress Awareness Month, let’s explore simple, mindful ways to reset, regulate, and restore.

The Cortisol Connection

How to Work With, Not Against, Your Stress Hormones

Cortisol isn’t the enemy - it plays an important role in our energy levels and alertness. However, long-term stress can disrupt its natural rhythm, leaving us feeling drained. To help regulate cortisol naturally, start your day with morning light exposure, gentle movement, and nourishing foods. Avoid caffeine on an empty stomach, and prioritise slow, intentional breaks throughout the day.

Micro-Pauses throughout the Day

In a world that celebrates busyness, slowing down is an act of self-kindness. Instead of waiting for burnout to force a break, practice micro-pauses throughout your day -whether it’s one minute of deep breathing, stepping outside for fresh air, or mindfully sipping tea. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Create Evening Rituals

High stress levels can make sleep feel elusive, but creating a simple evening ritual can help your mind unwind. Start with a three-step routine: stretch, scent, and stillness - gentle movement to release tension, a calming aroma like before sleep, sleep happy or Dream catcher and a few quiet moments to slow your breath. Also, you can try a screen-free hour before bed to let your nervous system transition from wakefulness to rest.

One Thing At a Time

Slow living isn’t about doing less - it’s about doing things with more intention. This could mean eating meals without distractions, taking deep breaths between tasks, or fully immersing yourself in a simple pleasure like reading or stretching. The key is to focus on presence rather than productivity.

Let it Out

Stress is meant to come and go, but modern life often keeps us in a constant state of tension. The best way to ‘complete’ the stress cycle is through movement, deep breathing, laughter, or connection with others. Next time you feel stressed, try shaking off tension, dancing, or even having a good laugh to help your body release what it’s holding onto.

Reset Your Nervous System

Activating the vagus nerve is one of the most effective ways to shift into relaxation. Simple techniques include humming, singing, gargling water, or massaging the neck - all of which stimulate the vagus nerve and send calming signals to the brain. Deep and slow breathing is another powerful way to tell your body, you are safe.

Overthinking? Write Down Your Thoughts

Racing thoughts can fuel stress, making it harder to relax. One way to break the cycle is through journaling - writing down your thoughts and physically closing the notebook as a way to ‘put them away’. You can also practice mindfulness by bringing attention to your breath, body sensations, or the scent of your surroundings. Not every thought needs your full attention - sometimes, simply noticing them without judgement is enough.

Stress is a part of life, but how we respond to it makes all the difference. By incorporating simple, mindful rituals - whether it’s breathing deeply, grounding with scent, or pausing for rest - we can support our nervous system and create more moments of calm. This Stress Awareness Month, give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and find balance in the small, everyday moments.

Which of these practices will you try today?