selfcare

Have you ever noticed how stress doesn’t just live in your mind—it shows up in your body too? Tight shoulders, racing thoughts at night, a stomach that feels like it’s in knots. For many of us living with mental health conditions, chronic illness, or just the pressures of daily life, stress can feel like an unwelcome companion we can’t shake.

I’ve been there too—caught in that cycle where every small task feels heavy and even rest doesn’t feel restful. That’s why I want to share seven gentle, evidence-backed ways to ease stress that have helped many people (myself included). These aren’t quick fixes, but they’re practical tools you can lean on—especially on the tough days.

1. Take a Breath (Literally)

Stress often hijacks your breath, making it short and shallow. Try this: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. A longer exhale tells your body it’s safe to calm down. Five minutes of this can shift your whole day.

2. Mindfulness in Small Moments

You don’t have to sit on a cushion for an hour. Try bringing awareness to everyday moments—like noticing how your coffee smells, how your feet feel on the floor, or how your breath moves in your chest. Even 10 minutes can lower stress levels.

3. Move Your Body in Ways That Feel Good

You don’t need a gym membership. A gentle walk, stretching, or even dancing in your living room can release endorphins and reduce stress hormones. If you live with chronic pain, even small, slow movements count.

4. Write It Out

Journaling can be surprisingly powerful. Putting your worries on paper helps clear your head and process emotions. Try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes and letting your thoughts flow without editing.

5. Lean on Your People

Stress feels heavier when carried alone. Text a friend, share how you’re feeling in a support group, or even comment on stories here on The Mighty. Connection is one of the strongest antidotes to stress.

6. Gentle Yoga or Stretching

When your body holds stress, gentle stretches can help release it. Simple poses like child’s pose or lying with your legs up a wall can calm both your body and your mind.

7. Remember to Rest

Breaks are not weakness. Even a few minutes away from your screen or a short pause between tasks can restore your energy. Rest is part of healing, not something you have to earn.

Extra Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way

1.Put your phone down once in a while (endless scrolling often adds stress).

2.Fuel your body with foods that make you feel steady, not jittery.##

3.Practice “micro-moments” of calm—a single deep breath, a stretch, or a pause. They add up.

You’re Not Alone in This

Stress is real, and it can feel overwhelming, especially when layered on top of health challenges. But you don’t have to tackle it all at once. Start with one or two of these practices and build from there.

Let’s Talk

💬 Which of these stress-relief practices has helped you the most?

💬 Do you have a go-to strategy that works when nothing else does?

Share in the comments—your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

#stressrelief #MentalHealth #ChronicIllness #selfcare

People see me resting and think I’m lazy.

They don’t see the invisible battle I fight just to get out of bed.

They don’t see how much it takes to smile, to function, to seem OK.

I’m not lazy. I’m surviving.

Have you ever been misunderstood like this? Share below. Let’s remind each other: rest is not weakness.#MentalHealth #ChronicFatigue #selfcare #CrohnsDisease

#Anxiety

Some days I feel deeply tired — not just physically, but emotionally.

Quiet. Worn out. Like I need softness more than motivation.

Lavender has always helped me through those moments. I use the essential oil during emotional dips, and the scent alone brings me back to center.

So I designed a shirt.

Not a loud one. Just a soft, simple tee I can wear when I need to feel grounded.

Something that carries calm energy with me. Something that reminds me to breathe.

I shared the full story here if you’d like to read it:

👉 Why I Designed a Shirt for My Tired, Quiet Self?

And if you’re curious to see the shirt, you can find it here:

🛍 taplink.cc/elenazhidkovarice

Would love to know — do you have anything (a scent, a ritual, even clothing) that helps you feel emotionally supported?

Elena

#aromatherapy #emotionalhealing #selfcare #lavender #anxietyrelief #rituals #calmwear #mindfulclothing #personalstory @kasiagirl8 @rafaelopezjr

I created a little poll to get a sense of what you're most curious about in this space.

You’re welcome to vote for more than one — or just reflect quietly.

There’s no pressure, just presence 🌿

I’d love to shape this space with you.

-Elena

#aromatherapy #olfactotherapy #gentleliving #selfcare #emotionalhealing

I’d love to get a sense of where you are in your journey with scent.

Some people use essential oils every day. Others are just curious, or not sure where to begin.

If you feel like sharing:

✨ Have you ever tried essential oils?

✨ Is there a scent you’re drawn to — or one you’re unsure about?

I work with oils and aroma rituals every day, so if you ever have questions or just want to explore together, I’m here. No pressure, just presence. 🌱

Let’s keep gently growing this space, one small ritual at a time.

— Elena

#EssentialOils , #aromatherapy , #selfcare , #gentleliving

Good morning, everyone! I wanted to share a little morning (and evening) ritual that’s become one of my non-negotiables for self-care. It’s simple, it’s sensory, and it makes me feel so refreshed before the day even begins.

Here’s how I do it:

Before I eat, drink, or even brush my teeth, I start with oil pulling.

🌀 I take 1 teaspoon of cocoa oil and add 1 drop of tea tree or peppermint essential oil.

I swish it gently around my mouth and gums for about 5 minutes — don’t swallow! Then I spit it out and rinse with warm water.

After that, I brush my teeth, and here’s the kicker — I add another drop of tea tree or peppermint to my toothpaste, water flosser, or even mouthwash.

It leaves my mouth feeling super clean, fresh, and grounded. 🌱 It’s like a detox for my mouth and a reset for my senses.

I do this every morning and night, and it’s become a quiet ritual that sets the tone for the rest of my routine.

✨ Have you ever tried oil pulling or adding essential oils to your oral care?

✨ What’s your morning or evening ritual that makes you feel good — physically, emotionally, energetically?

Would love to hear your impressions or anything you do regularly that helps you feel balanced and present.

Let’s build a little rhythm of rituals here 💬🌸

Have a wonderful weekend!

— Elena

#aromatherapy #EssentialOils #selfcare #MorningRoutine #nightroutine #dailypractice #emotionalhealing @kasiagirl8