Managing Stress in a Fast-Paced World
As we close out the first quarter of 2025, I find myself reflecting on how quickly time passes. The days can feel long, but the weeks, months, and years seem to fly by. A big contributor to this feeling? Stress.
We live in a world unlike any that has come before—one where life speeds up year after year, often under the guise of technology designed to “simplify” things and give us more time. Advertisers promise that the latest gadget, routine, or productivity hack will free us up for what truly matters. And yes, some of these advancements do bring ease—like a robot vacuum that lets me enjoy a cup of coffee and play with my kids on the weekend.
But how often do we find ourselves chasing this idea of efficiency, only to realize another day, week, or year has slipped away? Did these promises truly deliver the stress-free life they claimed?
April is Stress Awareness Month
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t need a special month to be aware of stress. It’s a constant companion. But are we mindful of stress in a way that helps us manage it with flexibility and resilience? Instead of fighting against stress, what if we learned how to move through it?
Here are three key ideas I often share with my clients—children, parents, and adults alike—when it comes to stress management:
1. Expect Stress—It’s Part of Life
No matter how much we try to avoid it, stress will happen. The key is to expect it, rather than be alarmed by its presence. When stress shows up, try approaching it with a different mindset:
"Oh hey, stress… you again (cue eye roll). I know you like to show up with big, scary stories, but I’ve got this handled. I know how to move through this."
By acknowledging stress in this way, we signal to our brain—particularly the amygdala, which is responsible for our fight-or-flight response—that there’s no need for a full-blown alarm. We can experience stress and navigate through it without immediately trying to make it disappear.
2. Know Your Brain’s Make and Model
Every brain processes stress differently. Some people tend to worry more, while others react quickly and intensely. When you take the time to understand how your brain works—its thought patterns, processing style, and tendencies—you can better support it.
If you know you’re prone to anxious thoughts, learning how those patterns play out can help you respond to them with awareness rather than panic. Again, stress won’t disappear, but when it arises, you’ll be ready to react in a way that keeps it manageable.
3. Right Feeling, Right Time, and Knowing How to Handle It
A definition of mental health I love is this: Having the right feeling at the right time and knowing how to handle it.
If a stressful situation occurs and you feel overwhelmed, that’s natural—your response matches the event. The discomfort of stress doesn’t mean something is wrong; it means your brain is reacting appropriately.
But here’s where we can get tripped up: If we tell ourselves we shouldn’t feel stressed, we actually increase our distress. Instead, we can accept our feelings as valid and ask:
"How do I manage this in a helpful way?"
A fun exercise: Flip the question around and ask yourself—"How would someone handle this in the worst way possible?" (Maybe by yelling, panicking, or shutting down completely.) Then, work backward: What’s the opposite of that? This can help you clarify the most effective way to move through the situation.
Finding Mindfulness in the Everyday
As I write this on a chilly, rainy, and slightly snowy spring day in New England, I’m reminded that stress—like the weather—is inevitable. But just as we adjust to unpredictable weather by finding ways to make the day enjoyable, we can do the same with stress.
Instead of feeling frustrated about not being able to take my kids outside today, we’re cozy inside, watching movies, playing dress-up, and making new games together. The day may not be perfect, but it’s still filled with connection and joy.
So, as you move through your days, I invite you to pause and check in: How do I make stress worse? And how can I move through it more gracefully?
Life isn’t always easy, but it can be beautiful—if we remember to stop and live in it.
Until next time, stay mindful and be kind to yourself.