How I Cope with Stress (Mind, Body, Spirit)

Let’s be real: life gets heavy. And while I don’t smoke, and I only sometimes drink (cheers to a fruity cocktail on the roughest days), I’ve had to get intentional about how I cope with stress. With chronic illness, mental health battles, relational ups and downs, and big life transitions, I’ve had no choice but to find tools that actually support me...not just numb the chaos.

So here it is: my stress management survival kit. Broken down by Emotional, Mental, Spiritual, and Physical care.

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Emotional Support:

Cuddles + Intimacy with My Husband: Nothing brings me back to safety like being held. Whether it’s a quiet hug, pillow talk, or just lying on his chest, physical affection grounds me emotionally.

Long Walks in Nature: Walking side-by-side, holding hands, venting or just staying quiet...these moments always bring clarity.

Time with My Pets: Shadow (my soul cat) follows me everywhere. Nova (our puppy) brings playful energy. Zen (our second cat) adds peace. Their presence is healing.

Disconnecting with My Shows: Whether it’s a comfort binge (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Vampire Diaries, Friends etc), or something new, like Young Sheldon- Currently loving this one. TV helps me pause reality and breathe.

Daily Journaling: I pour my heart into Silk + Sonder each day. I reflect, brain dump, and track patterns. This keeps me in tune with what I’m feeling before it snowballs.

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Mental Wellness:

Therapy: I’ve had my fair share of therapists. Alyssa (my current one) is a Christian counselor and helps me process grief, OCD, and mental overwhelm.

Tools: I use skills from the Integrate BPD program, DBT skills, mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and more.

Ice + Grounding Tools: During BPD episodes or sensory overload, or panic attacks-I use cold water, an ice pack, spa music, grounding exercises like 5-4-3-2-1 and prayer

Creative Outlets: Making Tiktoks writing blog entries, organizing/cleaning, or even editing videos helps me redirect my energy in a healthy way.

Audiobooks + Podcasts: Especially faith-based or mental health focused. I’m always learning, always growing.

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Spiritual Anchors:

Prayer: Raw, real, honest prayers...whether I’m sobbing, praising, or just asking for strength or peace.

Worship Music: It shifts the atmosphere. Highly recommend. Toby mac pandora or Simply saying "Alexa/Google play Christian music" or checking out my "Light in the darkness " Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5mEcDSRvVLaCWLKlf8SL2B?si=AlqK3DOiRASefrxiGbwk_Q

Church + Bible Study: Attending our church with my husband has been a major part of our faith journey.

Scripture: I end every blog post with a verse because I live by the Word. Also Currently reading Psalms and listening to a 365 Bible plan on the holy bible app on my phone! Devotionals too♡

Faith Journaling: I write down prayers, answered prayers, and what God is revealing to me.

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Physical Support:

Exercise + Music at the Gym: Movement helps me release tension. Pair it with the right playlist and it's therapy for the body.

Yoga: Gentle stretching, breathwork, and stillness. Perfect for pain and mental resets.

Chiropractic Adjustments: My back and neck thank me every time. These are true resets and so helpful for my fibromyalgia. Can't wait for my next appointment!

Massages: I carry so much stress in my body. A good massage helps me feel like myself again.

Ice + Heating Pads: Daily tools for fibro flares.

CBD + Melatonin: My nighttime reset when pain or anxiety won’t let me rest.

RockTape + Foam Rollers + TENS Unit: These have become part of my weekly physical maintenance routine.

Epsom Salt Baths: This is my go-to for pain and peace.

Scream Therapy + Music: When I’m holding onto anger or emotional buildup, I turn to scream therapy. Long drives with the windows down, blaring Linkin Park-especially songs like "Faint" or "Crawling"-give me a full-body release. If you know, you know. Singing them with everything in you is therapy on its own.

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With love, Kristen, Unfiltered Xo 💋

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." – 1 Peter 5:7