Introduction
Ah, stress. That ever-present companion who shows up unannounced, crashes on your couch, eats your snacks, and refuses to leave—no matter how many hints you drop. As a therapist, I’ve seen stress pop up in every shape and size, like an uninvited relative at a family reunion. But don’t worry — you’re not alone, and you don’t have to let stress run the show.
Why Stress Is Basically a Drama Queen
Stress is like that friend who calls you at 2 a.m. because they “just need to talk.” Except stress doesn’t care about time zones or sleep schedules. It’s the body’s way of yelling, “Hey! Danger! Maybe! Possibly! Kinda!” — even if the real threat is just your inbox or your kid’s latest meltdown.
The Stress Cycle: Run, Freeze, Or Procrastinate
Our bodies and brains have a “fight, flight, or freeze” response to stress, but honestly, sometimes it looks more like “fight, freeze, or scroll Instagram for three hours.” Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s stress’s sneaky way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed. Let’s avoid this instead.”
Therapist Tip #1: Name It to Tame It
When stress hits, try giving it a name. Mine’s “Steve.” Suddenly, stress becomes a character in your story rather than an invisible villain. You might think, “Okay, Steve, I see you, but I’m not letting you hijack my whole day.”
Therapist Tip #2: Breathe Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Kind Of Does)
Deep breathing is the OG stress buster. Take a deep breath in, hold it like you’re about to yell at the TV, and exhale slowly — preferably not onto your computer keyboard. Repeat until Steve chills out a bit.
Therapist Tip #3: Laugh at the Madness
Sometimes, the best medicine is a good laugh—preferably not at yourself (well, maybe a little). Watch a silly video, call a funny friend, or imagine stress as a tiny cartoon character throwing a tantrum. Humor lightens the load and reminds you that stress doesn’t have to be the boss.
Therapist Tip #4: Set Boundaries Like a Boss
Stress loves to overstay its welcome because you haven’t asked it to leave. Say no to extra demands when you’re maxed out. Prioritize self-care—even if it’s just a five-minute break to stare at the ceiling (the ultimate stress detox).
Conclusion
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to turn you into a stressball (pun intended). By recognizing its antics, breathing through the chaos, and maybe giving it a ridiculous name like Steve, you can take back control. Remember, you’re the therapist of your own brain—and you get to decide who’s on the guest list.
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