Welcome to our Founders Blog, your exclusive source for everything Mosaic. Discover the latest updates, explore Kendra's current inspirations, and enjoy beauty tips and favorite finds. Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Mosaic, where all the exciting happenings unfold.
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I hate to think that there may be people out there looking at my life and all that I manage and thinking that I’m making it look easy. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, lets get real and raw about how I manage stress. Growing up in a dysfunctional home meant never having the luxury to be carefree and unbothered. My life was a rollercoaster from the get-go. I remember being younger and watching my friends, who seemed so unburdened, and thinking there was something fundamentally wrong with me. They floated through life while I felt like I was constantly swimming upstream, weighed down by an invisible anchor.
But here’s the thing: I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I’ve found some tools and techniques that have really helped me manage stress. So, let’s dive into my little toolkit, shall we?
Let’s rewind a bit. Growing up, my home life was more like a reality TV show than a Disney movie. There were moments of chaos, unpredictability, and stress around every corner. My parents were divorced and my mom struggled with alcoholism so I took on a lot of responsibility at a young age. I never knew what would be expected of me next and that feeling of my world not being “safe” as a young person set me up for a lifetime of stress and anxiety.
Watching friends with their picture-perfect families, I often felt like an outsider. I saw them laugh and live with an ease I couldn’t comprehend. They didn’t have to worry about walking on eggshells or bracing for the next emotional storm. I envied them and wondered, “Why can’t I be like that?”
This constant stress didn’t magically disappear as I grew older. It followed me into adulthood, lurking in the shadows. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious of those who seemed to glide through life. Every time I encountered a calm and collected person, I felt like a ticking time bomb. My stress was like an old friend, always there, whispering doubts and worries in my ear.
I tried to push through, white knuckling through each day. But the stress weighed me down, affecting my health, relationships, and happiness. It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized I had to take control. I had to find ways to manage this stress before it consumed me completely.
Over time, I’ve collected tools and techniques to help me manage stress. It’s a blend of everything I’ve learned through trial and error, and what works for me might just work for you too. Here’s what’s in my stress management toolkit:
Box breathing is like a mini-vacation for your brain. I learned this technique when I was frantically searching for ways to calm my racing mind (I also lived with undiagnosed ADD until I was 36). It’s simple but effective.
Here’s how it works:
Repeat this cycle a few times, and it’s amazing how it can bring you back to the present moment. It’s my go-to whenever I feel the stress monster creeping up.
Grounding is another tool that’s become a staple in my stress management routine. When anxiety starts to take over, grounding helps me stay connected to the here and now. One of my favorite grounding techniques is the “5-4-3-2-1” method:
This exercise pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts and reminds me that I’m okay right now. It’s like hitting the reset button on my brain.
In a world that glorifies busyness, I’ve learned the importance of slowing down. It’s okay to say no and take a break. I used to think I had to do it all, but now I realize that rest is just as important as work.
I’ve started setting aside time each day to just be still. Whether it’s meditating, taking a walk, or simply sitting in silence, slowing down helps me recharge and face life with a clearer mind.
I was a major Bible study girlie well into my 20s and when I stumbled upon Romans 12:9 one day, it struck a chord with me: “Cling to what is good.” It’s a simple yet profound reminder to focus on the positive aspects of life.
Whenever stress starts to overwhelm me, I take a moment to reflect on the good things. I think about the love of my friends, the beauty of nature, and the small victories I’ve achieved. Clinging to what is good helps me find balance amidst the chaos. Gratitude journaling is something I’ve done off and on throughout my life and I’ve found it extremely helpful.
Mantras are like little nuggets of wisdom that I carry with me throughout the day. I have a few favorites that I repeat when stress levels rise. One of them is, “I’ve survived worse.” It reminds me that no matter how tough things get, they won’t last forever.
Another mantra I love is, “I am enough.” Growing up in a dysfunctional home, I often felt like I wasn’t enough. But now, I remind myself that I am worthy and capable just as I am. These mantras ground me and give me strength when stress tries to knock me down.
Ah, self-care – the magic word that everyone talks about. But let me tell you, self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days (although those are nice too). It’s about taking care of yourself in ways that nurture your mind, body, and soul.
For me, self-care is a combination of things that bring me joy and peace. It’s reading a good book, going for a run, journaling my thoughts, or spending time with loved ones. It’s about listening to my body and giving myself permission to rest when needed.
One of my favorite self-care rituals is setting aside time each week for a “me day.” It’s a day where I do whatever makes my heart happy. Whether it’s binge-watching my favorite show, exploring a new hobby, or simply lounging in pajamas all day, it’s my time to recharge and focus on my well-being. And don’t get me wrong, it isn’t easy to find the time for self-care when you have children, so if it’s not a full day, but just 30 minutes, taking whatever time you can for yourself is going to help chip away at the ball of stress you’ve become.
Now, don’t get me wrong – managing stress isn’t about being perfect. There are days when I still feel overwhelmed and struggle to keep it together. But that’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace imperfection and give myself grace. I use the mantra, “Perfection isn’t the goal, happy and healthy is.” It helps me to reinforce how important baby steps and taking one day at a time can be.
Life isn’t a straight path, and there will always be ups and downs. But armed with my stress management toolkit, I feel better equipped to handle whatever life throws my way.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that I don’t have to go through this journey alone. Having a support system is crucial in managing stress. I’m grateful for friends who listen without judgment and offer a shoulder to lean on. For many years I struggled to feel that I had meaningful relationships I could depend on. This comes from feelings of abandonment that are deeply rooted in my consciousness, and also from actual experiences of being let down by friendships. But what I’ve learned is that when you work on yourself and show up to relationships living in your truth, you will attract friends that you can depend on. If you aren’t there yet, a therapist is a perfect substitute and can help you get to that place of truth to start building your tribe.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this conversation, it’s that you’re not alone either. We all have our struggles, but together, we can navigate this chaotic world and find peace amidst the storm.
Managing stress is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding what works for you and embracing the process. Whether it’s through box breathing, grounding, slowing down, clinging to what is good, mantras, or self-care rituals, there are tools available to help you find calm in the chaos.
So, let’s continue this journey together, supporting one another and sharing our stories. Remember, life may be messy and unpredictable, but we have the power to manage stress and live with resilience.
Here’s to embracing the chaos and finding our own path to peace.
Kendra
Welcome to our Founders Blog, your exclusive source for everything Mosaic. Discover the latest updates, explore Kendra's current inspirations, and enjoy beauty tips and favorite finds. Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Mosaic, where all the exciting happenings unfold.
HEART-TO-HEART
INSPIRING STORIES
BEAUTY
SELF CARE
WELLNESS WISDOM