Take It From Me—Stress Is Not Your Friend

Stress is not your friend, especially if you don’t deal with it the right way.

It can take a toll on your body, mind, and spirit. It eats away at you slowly, and before you know it, you’re not acting like yourself—you’re overwhelmed, short-tempered, exhausted, and running on fumes.

Unaddressed stress can sneak up on you and turn into something bigger—burnout, anxiety, and all kinds of physical stuff you don’t want. But the good news? You don’t have to let it win.

So here are a few real-life, ChatGPT-approved, Randi-tested ways to deal with stress:

Laugh—and Laugh Often

Laughter truly is good medicine. It changes your mood, gives your brain a reset, and surrounds you in a better light. So find something funny—your kids, a meme, a podcast, or a memory that still makes you giggle. Laugh hard and often.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Let one thing go today. Just one. If it’s not urgent, it’s probably not worth your peace. Personally? I let the laundry go. It’ll still be there tomorrow. Promise.

Set Boundaries

Say no to one small thing. That’s all it takes. You’re not failing—you’re protecting your energy. You can’t pour from an empty pitcher, and you don’t owe anyone your exhaustion.

Time With God

Prayer. Bible study. Journaling. Talking to Jesus in the car or while hiding in the pantry. Time with God heals places stress tries to destroy. He gives peace this world just can’t.

Move Your Body

Take a walk, dance in the kitchen, jump in the shower, do squats in the living room—I don’t care, just move. I once danced and sang my heart out on top of 125 bales of straw just to shake off stress. It worked.

Add Water

I had a sweet friend once tell me: “Just add water.”

A bath. A shower. A cold drink. A swim. Even washing dishes with your hands in warm water can help. Water grounds you. Hydrates you. Calms you. It’s simple—and it helps more than you think.

Eat Some Protein

Yes, I’m giving you permission to eat meat. Or peanut butter. Or eggs. Stress hits harder when you’re running on sugar and caffeine alone. Your brain and body need real fuel.

Get Some Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Rest resets everything. Don’t stay up late scrolling or worrying. Put it down. Give it to God. Get some sleep.

A Final Word

I pray this resonates with someone today. I pray your stress is lifted, even just a little. I pray you come out of this season stronger, more at peace, and feeling unstoppable—because you’ve connected with our Savior, you’ve laughed often, and, yes—you added water.