Stress is something I deal with pretty much every day. My mind can get caught up in negative thoughts, and before I know it, my anxiety has taken over. I end up feeling irritable, frustrated, mentally drained, and a little foggy. There are times when I have a hard time figuring out exactly what’s bothering me or what I need to feel better. I know there are still a lot of things in my life that I’m trying to figure out, including how to manage stress in a way that actually works for me.

For me, I know that stress builds up over time. It can be a combination of things such as everyday responsibilities, having a lot to do, or spending more time out of the house than I’m used to. By the time I realize how I’m actually feeling, I’m already at the point where I desperately need a break.

Being neurodivergent has helped me understand some of the things that contribute to my stress. Sensory overload, unexpected changes, and having too much competing for my attention can make it harder for me to feel settled. Sometimes, I need more time to process things or recover from an experience than I initially expect. Being able to understand this about myself has helped me recognize that I can’t always approach stress the same way someone else might.

Knowing When I Need a Break

I’ve been trying to pay more attention to how I’m feeling instead of pushing through everything because I think I should.

I can easily get caught up in what needs to be done and feel frustrated when I can’t get myself to do it at all. I might have a lot of things on my to-do list, but that doesn’t mean I have the energy or capacity to do everything on that list. When I can’t keep up with my own expectations, I can end up feeling even more stressed out.

Certain environments take more out of me than others, like running errands, dealing with noisy, crowded places, or spending way too much time away from home. These things can leave me feeling completely drained. I might enjoy getting out and doing things, but it doesn’t mean I won’t need recovery time afterward.

The Things That Actually Help Me

One of the things that actually helps me is being at home. Home is familiar and comfortable, and I don’t have to think about all the things I need to navigate when I’m out. I can just relax, put on something comforting to watch, listen to music, and spend time with my dog.

I also find comfort in the little things I enjoy. Reading, writing, and coloring can help me feel more like myself again. They help take my mind off things and give me a break from my thoughts.

I also like getting outside for a walk, especially when the weather is cool enough. There’s nothing better than a brisk walk, listening to my favorite pump-up playlist, and getting in some much-needed exercise.

I’m not saying that these work for me all the time. I still find myself sighing a lot throughout the day, even when I’m doing something I generally enjoy that helps take my mind off the stress I’m feeling.

I think managing stress means paying attention to what I’m experiencing and giving myself some flexibility instead of expecting the same things to help every time.

Finding What Works for You

I think we hear a lot about stress management, but the advice doesn’t always consider how differently we experience stress.

For some people, going out and being around others helps them feel better. For me, there are times when I like the opposite. I need a familiar environment, fewer demands, and some time to myself. Neither approach is wrong. We just have different needs.

I’m learning that stress is just a part of life. I know there will always be things I need to work through. What I can do is become more aware of how I’m feeling, recognize when I’m reaching my limits, and find ways to take care of myself that make sense for my life.

I just need to figure out what really helps me, use those things, and stop treating my own needs as something I should have to justify.

What helps you manage stress when you start feeling overwhelmed?

“Self-care is how you take your power back.” — Lalah Delia