5 Ways to Manage Stress Without Falling Behind
Feeling guilty about taking a break? You’re not alone.
Sometimes, you have so much going on that taking a break seems… irresponsible. But the truth is, sustainable success and well being go hand in hand. When you allow yourself moments to reset, you're not being unproductive. You’re protecting your energy, focus, and ability to show up fully in your life.
Here are five science backed, soul supporting ways to manage stress without sacrificing progress.
1. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s a Deadline
When you’re constantly on the go, sleep is often the first thing to go. But consistent, quality rest is one of the most powerful ways to protect your emotional and physical health. It helps regulate mood, support brain function, and improve your ability to handle daily challenges. Its recommended to aim for 7 to 9 hours a night, and consider wind down rituals like eliminating screen time before bed to help you ease into rest.
2. Move Your Body (Even Briefly)
You don’t need an intense workout to see benefits. Just 30 minutes of enjoyable movement can release feel good endorphins, boost focus, and clear mental fog. Research shows it doesn’t matter if its walking, stretching, dancing or something more strenuous. Physical activity is like a reset button for your mood and nervous system. The key? Do something that feels good to your body, not punishing.
3. Step Outside
Nature has a powerful calming effect on the brain. Whether it's a hike, a walk around your office’s parking lot, or a quiet moment in your backyard, spending time outdoors can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Even just 10 minutes in fresh air can offer perspective and peace.
4. Create Moments of Silence
The positive effect of a few moments of silence is underrated. Take some time during your day to unplug, breathe, and be still. This can be as simple as turning off your lights and closing your eyes for five minutes. It also could be doing an activity that allows you to have complete silence, like taking a hike (or sitting in your car in the driveway). At Sainte Foot Sanctuary, we believe in the restorative power of pausing, and have designed our services to help you do just that.
5. Write It Down to Let It Go
Journaling isn’t just for writers, it’s a proven tool for mental clarity. By getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper, you reduce cognitive overload and make space for problem solving, perspective, and calm. You don’t need a perfect notebook. Just start with a few lines at the end of your day.
Remember: self care isn't about being selfish or escaping your life. It's about supporting the version of you who lives it. When you give yourself permission to recharge, you’re not falling behind, you’re fueling forward momentum. And that’s something worth prioritizing.