More Tools for Stress Relief

When you’re maxed out but still need to function:

1. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise – Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.

2. Emergency Nap or Quiet Time – 15–20 minutes lying still with eyes closed, even if you don’t sleep.

3. One-Task Rule – Prioritize just one essential task to reduce overwhelm.

4. Power Playlist – Music that calms or energizes depending on what you need.

5. No-Guilt Pause – Give yourself permission to stop, breathe, and reset without self-criticism.