Stress Creators and Stress Breakers: Finding Balance in the Chaos

Stress, it’s as much a part of British life as queuing, while a bit of pressure can be motivating, too much of it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and wondering if moving to a remote island is a viable option.  

So, let’s talk about stress creators, the things that wind us up, and stress breakers, the things that help us unwind.  

Because as the saying goes, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” (Jon Kabat-Zinn).  

Stress Creators  

1. The Never-Ending Inbox  

There’s something uniquely soul-destroying about logging in to find 247 unread emails. If you’ve ever spent an hour crafting the perfect email only to receive a reply that says “Thanks,” you’re not alone.  

2. The ‘Everything is Urgent’ Mentality  

When everything is a priority, nothing is. Some workplaces thrive on a sense of constant urgency, leaving you feeling like a firefighter without a hose.  

3. Social media Doomscrolling  

Ever gone online for a “quick check” only to emerge an hour later, stressed about things that didn’t even exist before you opened the app? Comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel is a surefire way to add unnecessary pressure.  

4. Trying to Please Everyone  

You can’t make everyone happy. People-pleasing is exhausting. 

5. The Sunday Night Dread  

That sinking feeling as the weekend fades and Monday looms is real. If the thought of work makes your stomach churn, it might be time to rethink how you structure your week, or whether you’re in the right job.  

Stress Breakers  

1. The Art of Saying No  

Anne Lamott says, “No is a complete sentence.” 😉... (it takes practice) You don’t have to reply instantly or take on every extra task. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish—it’s essential. 

2. Laughter Therapy  

It turns out, your mate who sends you ridiculous memes is actually looking after your health. Laughter lowers stress hormones and boosts mood. Charlie Chaplin had it right: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”  

3. Taking a Break (Without Guilt!)  

A bit of fresh air, five minutes of deep breathing, or an actual holiday where you don’t check emails (imagine! 😲), stepping away is crucial. Your productivity and mind will thank you.  

4. Managing the ‘CC Everyone’ Culture  

Before you hit “reply all” or CC your entire team, does everyone really need it? Less email traffic = fewer stress headaches.  

5. The Power of Perspective  

Will this matter in a week? A month?  Sometimes stress is unavoidable, but a shift in perspective can make a huge difference.  

Final Thought: A quiet moment  

Sometimes making a drink, a quiet moment can be the reset button we need.  

So, take a breath. Let go of what you can.  Make your self-care inevitable.