When Stress is an Unwanted Guest

Written by Myrna Olaya, Clinical Program Manager, New Friends New Life

As the holidays near, many of us are preparing to share the days to come with family, packed stores, and year-end deadlines at work. Although the holidays can be filled with cheer, they can also be extremely stressful times. While stress is an inevitable part of being human, managing it effectively is crucial to our overall well-being. National Stress Awareness Day, observed every year on the first Wednesday in November, serves as an important reminder to pause, reflect, and take proactive steps toward better stress management.

As a Mental Health Clinician, a student, and just a human being in general, I have become quite familiar with the company of stress. Between my own life and hearing my clients’ stories, I have noticed that the pressures of modern life can be quite overwhelming- and we are all feeling it!  What I’ve noticed has been my best-kept secret when stress’ company is no longer welcome, is to have an anti-stress list that takes no time to pull up and apply.  For me, it usually means ensuring that I have a good meal, either for comfort or for nourishment, but this can look different for everybody. If the meal doesn’t quite do it, then it might be lighting my favorite candles, cuddling up with my dog, and escaping from this modern world for just a few hours. Leaning into this prepared list helps me process the stress at hand.

It's important to remember that stress affects everyone, but it’s how we respond to it that can make all the difference. While we can’t control every stressor in our lives, we can control how we manage and cope with them. By practicing healthy stress management techniques, we can improve our resilience, boost our well-being, and lead healthier, happier lives.

Remember, you're not alone in your stress. Reach out for support when you need it and take the time to prioritize your mental and physical health. Making a list of things you find enjoyable and noticing a sense of peace when doing it might be one way to start creating your anti-stress list. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference in how you manage stress—today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Taking care of your mental health is essential. Make a commitment today to reduce stress in your life and prioritize your well-being.

Stay calm, breathe deeply, and take care of yourself—because you deserve it.