The Big U(niverse) has a way of giving us wake-up calls when we need them most, and mine came on July 4th, 2024. That was the day I experienced a 9-hour bout with vertigo that led me to an ER visit. Let me tell you, having your entire world spin—literally—wasn’t just scary; it was a real eye-opener.
I’ve always been mindful about managing stress, but this episode made me realize I needed to take things to the next level. My body was telling me loud and clear: I had to do an even better job at stress management, and that included one big thing—letting go of what no longer served me.
After my world stopped spinning, I made it a point to do a little extra self-reflection. Call it intuition, but I knew some things needed to change—and fast. What came up during this reflection was a host of things I was holding onto that were quietly adding to my stress.
(Sometimes, the biggest stress reliever is learning to let go of things that no longer align with your goals, values, or even the person you’ve become.)
And so, that’s exactly what I did. I said “goodbye” and “thank you” to situations, habits, relationships, and even some business commitments that were no longer a fit for me and were creating more stress than joy. I’m not going to lie—it wasn’t easy. But when I weighed my health against those things, it was a no-brainer. As a result, I’ve found more balance, less stress, and created space for things and people that truly add value to my world.
(Geeky Neuroscience Factoid: Our brains are wired to respond to stress. By actively managing stress and making mindful choices, we can retrain our brains for calm, resilience, and balance.)
How I Manage Stress (and How You Can Too)
Since that wake-up call, I’ve been more intentional than ever about how I manage stress. It’s not just about keeping symptoms at bay; it’s about thriving, creating a life that feels lighter, more aligned, and, yes, more joyful. Here’s what’s worked for me – feel free to take what’ll work for you, leaving behind what doesn’t:
1. Deep Breathing with the Breathwrk App
One of the easiest ways to shift out of stress mode is through deep breathing, which I do with the Breathwrk app. Neuroscience shows us that deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and relaxation. When I feel that familiar tightness in my neck and shoulders creeping in, just a few minutes of focused breathing can make all the difference. It’s like hitting a reset button for your brain—and who doesn’t need that from time to time?
2. Meditation
Meditation has always been a part of my stress-management routine, but since my vertigo episode, I’ve taken it even more seriously. The science here is fascinating: regular meditation strengthens your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that helps with emotional regulation, decision-making, and focus. Even 10 minutes a day helps me feel more centered and ready to take on the day. A small investment of time leads to a huge payoff.
3. Journaling
Journaling has been one of my go-to practices for releasing mental clutter and processing emotions. Neuroscience backs this up—writing about our stressors reduces the brain’s emotional response and gives us perspective. For me, it’s not just about getting the thoughts out of my head; it’s about gaining clarity and creating space for what truly matters.
4. Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Me
This has been the hardest yet most rewarding change I’ve made. As I mentioned, when I reflected on what was truly contributing to my stress, I realized I needed to let go of certain habits, commitments, and even relationships that were no longer aligned with me. By letting go, I’ve created space for more peace, energy, and joy. Neuroscience tells us that stress takes a toll when we’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode, so letting go helps our brains and bodies stay balanced.
A Challenge for You
If you’re feeling the weight of stress or just know you could be doing more to manage it, I encourage you to try one of these techniques. Whether it’s practicing deep breathing, starting a meditation habit, or taking a hard look at what you might need to let go of, these neuroscience-backed strategies can help you create a calmer, more aligned life.
Remember, your brain is incredibly adaptable. Every time you make a mindful choice, you’re teaching your brain how to handle stress with more resilience and ease. You have the power to create more balance in your life—one step, one breath, and one decision at a time.
So, what’s one thing you’ll do to manage your stress? Post your comments below because I’d love to hear how you’re creating more calm in your life!