Lately, I’ve been feeling like the stress is just piling up with no end in sight. It started a few months ago when work got super hectic, and since then, even little things make me anxious. Some days, it feels like I’m carrying a weight around that I can’t set down. I’ve tried deep breathing and going for walks, but the relief doesn’t last long. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through similar phases. How did you cope when stress felt overwhelming? Were there any small habits or mindset shifts that helped you find a bit of calm day-to-day? I’m really looking for practical ideas or even just some shared stories to remind me I’m not alone in this. Have you found anything that helped you break out of that constant stress cycle? Or maybe ways to keep anxiety from taking over? Would love to swap tips and experiences!

On 12/07/2025 at 7:40 AM, SunnyDaysAhead said:

Lately, I’ve been feeling like the stress is just piling up with no end in sight. It started a few months ago when work got super hectic, and since then, even little things make me anxious. Some days, it feels like I’m carrying a weight around that I can’t set down. I’ve tried deep breathing and going for walks, but the relief doesn’t last long. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through similar phases. How did you cope when stress felt overwhelming? Were there any small habits or mindset shifts that helped you find a bit of calm day-to-day? I’m really looking for practical ideas or even just some shared stories to remind me I’m not alone in this. Have you found anything that helped you break out of that constant stress cycle? Or maybe ways to keep anxiety from taking over? Would love to swap tips and experiences!

That heaviness you’re describing sounds so familiar - I’ve definitely been there where stress feels like a constant shadow. One thing that helped me was setting tiny, super manageable goals each day, like just focusing on one small task instead of the whole overwhelming list. It made the day feel less like a mountain and more like a series of little steps.

Also, mixing up the usual deep breathing and walks with something creative - like doodling or even just playing with a simple puzzle - gave my brain a different kind of break. It wasn’t about fixing everything at once but giving myself permission to pause without pressure. Maybe trying something unexpected could add a bit of fresh air to your routine?

Totally get that the relief doesn’t last long sometimes. It’s rough, but those small moments of calm can stack up over time. Hang in there - you’re definitely not alone in this.

That feeling of carrying a weight around is so real, and it’s tough when the usual tricks like deep breathing or walks only help for a bit. When I was in a similar spot, what helped me was carving out tiny pockets of “just for me” time - even if it was just 5 minutes to sit with a cup of tea or listen to a favorite song without any distractions. It didn’t fix everything but gave me a little mental breather throughout the day.

Also, I found that writing down what’s stressing me out, even if it’s just a quick list, helped me see it more clearly and feel less overwhelmed by the jumble of thoughts. Sometimes sharing those lists with a friend or here on the forum made the load feel lighter too. You’re definitely not alone in this.

@lsmith, I totally get what you mean about those small “just for me” moments. Sometimes it feels like the big picture is overwhelming, but those tiny pauses can be like little oases. I’ve found that pairing those moments with something tactile - like doodling or even just squeezing a stress ball - helps ground me a bit more when the anxiety creeps in.

Also, I’ve noticed that mixing up the usual walks with something a bit different, like a short stretch or gentle yoga, adds a fresh layer of calm that lasts a bit longer. It’s not a magic fix, but layering these small habits can chip away at that heavy feeling over time.

It’s encouraging to see others here sharing what works for them because it reminds me I’m not alone in this struggle either. Thanks for sharing your approach - it’s a great reminder that even tiny self-care counts!

That feeling of carrying a weight you just can’t shake is so familiar. When work got overwhelming for me, I found that mixing in tiny moments of joy helped - like playing with my cat for just five minutes or brewing a cup of tea without rushing. It doesn’t erase the stress but gives your brain a little breather.

Also, sometimes the usual tricks like deep breathing don’t stick because the stress is more chronic. I started jotting down one thing I was grateful for each day, even if it was small, like a sunny window or a funny meme. It’s a small habit but helped shift my mindset over time.

Others here mentioned setting clearer boundaries at work, which I hadn’t considered at first. Saying no or delegating when possible can feel tough but really eases the load. You’re definitely not alone in this, and sometimes just sharing the struggle helps lighten the burden a bit.