Undoing Stress: How I Learned to Make Time to Unwind

Undoing Stress: How I Learned to Make Time for Myself

When my divorce was finalized, the relief I felt was almost overshadowed by a surprising realization: I had been living with an undercurrent of stress for years without even recognizing it. The process of untangling my marriage had unveiled how deeply ingrained stress had become in my daily life—and how much work I needed to do to undo its effects.

For years, I found myself needing extra naps, sleeping longer hours, and feeling like I was paying off a sleep debt that had quietly accumulated. While I’m no expert on sleep science, I now understand this was my body pleading for balance. What I’ve learned since is that managing stress isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing commitment that’s now a priority in my life—right up there with eating and breathing.

Here are some strategies I’ve implemented to help manage stress during the week and carve out space for myself.

Weekday Strategies: Slowing Down to Build Resilience

1. Simplify Your Schedule
   I no longer pack my days with back-to-back obligations. It’s amazing how just a few extra minutes between tasks can create space to breathe, reset, and think clearly.

2. Prioritize Sleep
   Sleep has become non-negotiable. I aim for consistent hours, usually 9 PM to 6 AM, and the difference in my mood and energy is undeniable. It requires discipline, but the payoff is worth the sacrifice of late-night TV.

3. Experiment with Stress-Relief Practices
   Apps like Insight Timer helped me explore meditation, but I’ve found it’s not my go-to. Instead, I focus on small practices like deep breathing or just sitting quietly with my thoughts. Stress relief doesn’t have to feel like another chore.

4. Listen to Your Body
   When I notice tension creeping in, I’ve learned to respect my limits. This might mean skipping a workout or adjusting plans. Stress can manifest in surprising ways—sometimes as physical symptoms like allergies or fatigue—and it’s crucial to pay attention.

5. Declutter and Streamline
   Fewer possessions and simplified routines make daily life easier. Knowing where everything is and not overloading my mornings with decisions helps me conserve energy for more important things.

Weekend Routines: Breaking the Cycle

Weekends are my chance to break from the weekday rhythm entirely. For me, that doesn’t mean sleeping in; it means getting up early, heading to a café, and soaking up the sunshine near the ocean. This shift in environment and pace helps me reset.

I dedicate Sunday afternoons to pure leisure—watching TV, reading, or simply doing nothing. By guarding this downtime, I recharge for the week ahead without feeling drained before Monday even begins.

Finding What Works for You

Not everyone’s path to stress relief will look the same, but the key is tuning into your needs and making adjustments. Ask yourself:

• What obligations can I release to create more space?

• How can I structure my week to include intentional downtime?

• What small habits can I introduce to help me feel more balanced?

The journey to managing stress is as personal as it is essential. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Start with one small change, and let the ripple effect lead you toward a life that feels more manageable, more peaceful, and more like yours.