14 Powerful Ways to Manage Stress (That Actually Work)

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Stress is just part of being human and it’s absolutely unavoidable but that doesn’t mean it has to completely take over your life and how you feel. Sure, we all feel it, carry it, and sometimes even let it weigh us down more than we’d like to admit. But here’s the thing: just because stress shows up doesn’t mean it gets to run the show. You have more power than you think. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in your head, or just plain exhausted, these 12 ways to manage stress that are real, doable, and designed to help you take your peace back, one gentle step at a time.

Why Managing Stress Matters (More Than Ever)

Stress might be a normal part of life, but letting it pile up unchecked can quietly chip away at your well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. When we stay in “survival mode” too long, our bodies get tired, our minds get foggy, and things that used to feel easy suddenly feel impossible… like crawling out of bed.

If you needed a bit of motivation to get you started with some new, healthy ways to manage stress, understanding the effects of unmanaged stress is an excellent place to start:

• Constant fatigue or burnout, even after rest

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep

• Irritability, mood swings, or feeling overwhelmed

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Increased anxiety or feelings of panic

• Stomach issues, like nausea or digestion problems

• Headaches or muscle tension

• Lowered immune system, making you more likely to get sick

• Loss of motivation or disconnection from things you usually enjoy

But here’s the good news (because there’s always a silver lining): managing stress will reduce all of these symptoms, while also giving you the tools that help you navigate life a bit more confidence and calmness.  Think deep breaths, boundaries, crystals, and our beautiful silver fidget rings.

14 Powerful Ways to Manage Stress (That Actually Work)

There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for stress, anxiety or depression, but there are all kinds of really simple, yet powerful techniques that can make a real difference in how you feel day-to-day. From body-based tools starting with performance kinesiology to soul-soothing habits like using your silver fidget ring, here are 12 tried-and-true ways to manage stress.

1. Breathwork

Your breath is your built-in reset button. Simple breathing techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing can instantly calm your nervous system, lower your heart rate, and bring you back to the present moment.

Bonus Tip: Our readers can try digital breathwork classes for free here.

2. Crystals for Anxiety

Harness the calming energy of healing stones for anxiety and stress in particular, like amethyst, lepidolite, and rose quartz. Keep them close, wear them as jewelry, or meditate with them to ground your energy and ease anxious thoughts.

3. Fidget Rings & Jewelry

Stylish, subtle, and surprisingly soothing, fidget rings are one of the most popular tools for managing stress and anxiety. They’re a discreet, on-the-go tool that are absolutely amazing for conquering stress and anxiety, especially in social settings or high-pressure moments when you need a calming anchor. You just do a gentle spin or glide, and the fidget ring helps redirect nervous energy, reduce fidgeting, and keep your hands (and mind) busy in a healthy, grounding way.

At Anxiety Gone, our collection of fidget rings for women and men are designed with both beauty, zen and function in mind. Whether you’re drawn to sleek spinner rings, minimalist worry rings, or shimmering crystal fidget rings, each piece is thoughtfully crafted to support your mental wellness while fitting seamlessly into your everyday style.

It’s self-care, disguised as jewelry and once you wear one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

4. Movement You Actually Enjoy

Whether it’s yoga, dancing in your kitchen, or a walk in the fresh air, moving your body helps release stress hormones and boost feel-good endorphins.

Bonus Tip: Our readers get a 50% discount on their yoga memberships.

5. Be Here Now with Mindfulness

Stress thrives in the future and the past, but peace lives in the present. Mindfulness helps you slow down and tune in the present moment without judgment. It involves bringing your mind to what’s currently around you, making you aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting carried away by them. This allows you to become more conscious of your emotions and thoughts and respond to them more carefully and intentionally. Because of that, it’s a powerful tool for managing stress. 

Start with a few deep breaths, a short meditation, or mindful movement like yoga. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just consistent.

Bonus Tip: Our readers receive an exclusive discount with Apps like Mindfulness, Headspace and Happier.

6. Snooze Like You Mean It

Sleep is when your body and mind reset. Aim for 7–9 hours a night, and create a calming bedtime routine: cool room, comfy bed, and no screens before bedtime. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. It helps to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, as well. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Better sleep means better everything; better mood, better stress resilience, more energy, more balance.

7. Fuel Your Calm with a Healthy Diet

Nourish your body with whole foods and lots of color. Skip the sugary highs and crashes. Hydrate well. Try intuitive eating; listening to what your body really needs without rules or guilt.

8. Hit the Reset Button with Relaxation Techniques

A few minutes of deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or visualization can do wonders. Find relaxation techniques that work for you; that help your body exhale, release and rest. Then, make it part of your daily rhythm. Some common relaxation techniques include deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and yoga.

Need help shifting gears? Try incorporating full spectrum CBD gummies into your routine. Known for their calming and soothing effects, they can support your relaxation practice by helping to ease tension and quiet the mind, especially at the end of a long day.

9. Protect Your Peace and Set Boundaries

Protect your peace. Say no when you need to. Step away from what drains you. Setting boundaries aren’t selfish – they’re essential.

10. Plan Like a Pro with Good Time Management

Prioritize what matters. Break big tasks down. Schedule breaks. Stay flexible. Time management isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters with less stress.

As a rule of thumb, focus on one task at a time to help you stay organized and be more productive. It’s also important to set aside time for the anything unexpected.. because something almost always comes up. This allows flexibility in your schedule to account for unforeseen tasks or interruptions, without throwing your stress and anxiety into high drive. 

11. Seek Support

Talk it out. Whether it’s a friend, a partner, or a therapist online, sharing how you’re feeling and what you’re going through will significantly lighten the load. You are human, and we were never designed to do it all alone.

12. Take Breaks

Running yourself ragged only makes stress worse. So, never skimp on breaks. Take breaks that involve stepping away from work completely, such as going for a walk or chatting with a friend. You should also try to disconnect from technology once in a while to relax and recharge fully. 

13. Play More, Stress Less

Do something just for fun. Paint, garden, bake, journal – anything that brings you joy and pulls you into the moment.

14. Focus on Gratitude

Gratitude shifts your focus from stress to strength – every single time. It literally reprograms your brain to be happier, healthier and just more resilient overall. Plus, a gratitude practice can take seconds to do – so no excuses!

Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.

Or if you’re a regular on our Instagram Stories, you know we love “Thank you, more please.”  This is when you show your gratitude and appreciate for the small things you spot throughout the day (mindfulness and gratitude), while expecting more (manifesting).

Take What You Need, Leave the Rest

Managing stress is all about finding what works for you. Whether it’s a daily walk, a good night’s sleep, or a quiet moment with your silver or gold fidget ring, these small steps add up. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best—and that’s more than enough.