by Managing Stress (Because It’s Wreaking Havoc on My Health!)
We’re officially on Day 6, y’all — and things are moving. So far, I’ve made real progress:
✅ Staying active with my weighted hula hoop
✅ Ditching Dr. Pepper and choosing healthier drinks
✅ Sleeping better (hello, deeper rest!)
✅ Eating mindfully and controlling portions
✅ Drinking more water to stay hydrated
But today, we’re tackling something less visible… and way more powerful: stress.
😣 Why Stress Management is Non-Negotiable
Let’s be real — you could be eating the cleanest meals and exercising like a pro, but if you’re always stressed out, your health still suffers.
Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood — it affects your entire body:
- 💥 Weight Gain – Cortisol (the stress hormone) increases belly fat and causes junk food cravings.
- 🛡️ Weak Immunity – You’re more likely to get sick when stress is high.
- ❤️ Heart Risk – Ongoing stress increases chances of high BP and heart disease.
- 💩 Digestive Issues – Constipation, bloating, acidity? Stress is often behind it.
- 😴 Sleep Disturbances – A racing mind = poor sleep, no matter how tired you are.
🤯 My Relationship with Stress: A Little Too Close
I won’t sugarcoat it — I carry a lot on my plate. Between deadlines, life, and a constantly buzzing brain, I’ve ignored the warning signs:
- Frequent headaches
- Tight, aching shoulders and back
- Random fatigue, even when I slept well
Enough is enough. Starting today, stress relief is part of my wellness plan — not an afterthought.
🧘♂️ The Plan: Realistic Indian-Inspired Stress Relief Habits
No, I’m not becoming a monk overnight — but I am weaving a few grounding, soul-soothing habits into my day. Here’s what I’m doing (and you can, too):
🌬️ 1. Deep Breathing & Pranayama
Even five minutes of slow, intentional breathing calms the nervous system. I’m starting with:
- Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing)
- Bhramari (humming bee breath for relaxation)
✨ When? First thing in the morning — before checking my phone.
✨ Tools? YouTube videos from yoga teachers like Yoga with Adriene or Indian creators like Sarvesh Shashi.
📓 2. Journaling to Let It All Out
At night, I take 5–10 minutes to dump everything from my head onto paper — worries, thoughts, tasks. It clears my mind and helps me sleep.
✨ Bonus? I jot down one thing I’m grateful for — because shifting focus helps rewire the stress response.
🚶♀️ 3. Moving to Release Built-Up Tension
Even on days I skip a workout, I move. A short walk outside, a few sun salutations, or just dancing to a Bollywood beat at home — movement is medicine.
✨ My current favorite: Walking while listening to an old AR Rahman playlist.
😂 4. Laughing On Purpose
Laughter really is therapy. I’m making it a point to watch something light — a Kapil Sharma clip, a funny reel, or reruns of “Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.”
✨ Why? Laughter literally lowers cortisol and boosts serotonin. It’s like a reset button.
📵 5. Unplugging Before Bed (No Doom scrolling!)
I’m keeping my phone away for at least 30–45 minutes before sleep. Instead, I read, listen to mantras (like the Gayatri or Om chants), or sip warm turmeric milk.
✨ Result: Better, deeper sleep — and I wake up without that brain fog.
🌿 What I’ve Noticed Already
It’s early, but even with just a little consistency, I’ve felt:
✅ Fewer Headaches — No more waking up tense
✅ Improved Sleep — Falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer
✅ Lighter Mood — I feel less reactive and more steady
🕉️ Stress Relief Is a Practice — Not Perfection
This isn’t a one-time fix — it’s something I’ll need to keep showing up for. But every deep breath, every unplugged evening, and every laugh helps me reclaim a little more calm.
👀 What’s Next?
Over the next few days, I’ll track how these simple changes impact my energy, sleep, digestion, and mood. I’m not aiming for zero stress (because life happens), but I am building tools to handle it better.
💬 What’s Your Go-To Stress Relief Trick?
Do you swear by a certain yoga pose? A mantra that calms your mind? A comfort show or cup of chai that never fails? I’d love to hear what works for you!
Day 6 — done! I’m breathing deeper, sleeping better, and feeling more balanced. Let’s keep this peace party going! 🧘♀️💛
