Live Well, Thrive Well May Program Resources

May: Mastering Stress with Science and Self-Compassion.

Moderated by fitness professional Melissa, We strategies to help us master stress.

Some Key Takeaways

• Notice where stress shows up in your body. It may appear as tight shoulders, jaw tension, headaches, stomach aches, poor sleep, or a racing heart.
• Remember: stress is normal, but chronic stress needs attention. Stress becomes a concern when it begins affecting your sleep, relationships, work, school, or daily functioning.
• Use movement to complete the stress cycle. Take a walk, stretch, shake out your body, jump around, or simply get up and move.
• Practice slow, intentional breathing. A few deep breaths can help calm the nervous system and bring your body out of stress mode.
• Build small stress-relief habits into your day. Breathwork, mindfulness, grounding, movement, gratitude, and connection all count.
• Do not make self-care another source of pressure. Start with small, manageable actions instead of trying to overhaul your whole life.
• Use grounding when anxiety feels overwhelming. Try naming 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, and so on to reconnect with the present moment.
• Ask, “What went well today?” This simple gratitude practice can shift your focus and strengthen connection with family, kids, or coworkers.
• Set boundaries with draining or negative people. You cannot control others, but you can limit exposure, change the conversation, or choose a healthier environment, such as walking in nature or taking a stretch break.
• Take overwhelm one step at a time. Focus on the next small task instead of the entire mountain in front of you.
• Seek support before stress becomes a crisis. Therapy, counseling, peer support, education, and community resources can help you cope earlier.
• Talk openly about mental health. Honest conversations reduce stigma, build connection, and remind people they are not alone.