8 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety (That Actually Work)

Let’s talk about stress and anxiety. You know, that nagging feeling that keeps you up at night, makes you snap at the barista for putting too much ice in your coffee, and turns every small inconvenience into a full-blown crisis. Yeah, that.

The good news? Stress and anxiety don’t have to run the show. There are simple, practical things you can do to take back control. Not theories, not wishful thinking—just real actions that make a real difference. Here are eight of them.

1. Set the Mood With Pleasant Aromas

Ever walked into a spa and instantly felt like you had your life together? That’s because scent is powerful. Certain aromas—like lavender, chamomile, and citrus—can shift your mood almost instantly.

I know this firsthand. Anytime I walk into a place that smells amazing, my mood lifts immediately. A clean house with the smell of fresh candles or essential oils? That’s instant relaxation.

Try this:

• Diffuse essential oils in your home.

• Light a candle with a calming scent.

• Use a few drops of essential oil on your pillow before bed.

Your brain will get the hint: It’s time to relax.

2. Good Lighting = Good Vibes

Ever wonder why hospitals feel so…stressful? Those harsh fluorescent lights don’t exactly scream “calm and peaceful.” Your environment plays a huge role in your stress levels, and lighting is a big part of that.

• Natural light is king. Open the blinds. Let the sun in.

• Soft, warm lighting in the evening signals your brain that it’s time to wind down.

• Ditch the blue light from screens an hour before bed—your sleep (and sanity) will thank you.

3. Clean Space, Clear Mind

I don’t know about you, but whenever my room is messy, it’s almost always a sign that my mental state isn’t great. It’s like my external world mirrors whatever’s going on inside. If my space is cluttered, I can guarantee there’s something off with me mentally.

And on the flip side? When my space is clean, I feel like I have my life together. Everything just feels lighter.

A simple rule: If it takes less than two minutes to clean or put away, do it now.

Tidy up your workspace before you start your day. Make your bed. Keep your kitchen counters clear. A little effort goes a long way in creating a stress-free environment.

4. Move Your Body—Even Just a Little

You don’t need to train for a marathon (unless you want to). But movement is non-negotiable when it comes to stress relief.

Exercise releases endorphins—nature’s way of saying, “Hey, everything’s going to be okay.”

Not a gym person? No problem.

• Take a 10-minute walk outside.

• Stretch for a few minutes in the morning.

• Dance around your living room like nobody’s watching (bonus points if they are).

The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to move.

5. Breathe Like You Mean It

Right now, take a deep breath in. Hold it. Now slowly let it out. Feel better?

Most of us breathe in short, shallow bursts when we’re stressed, which tells our nervous system, “Panic mode activated.” Deep breathing flips the switch and says, “Relax, we got this.”

Try this:
The 4-7-8 technique – Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat a few times. Instant calm.

6. Get Outside—Nature Heals the Soul

For me, nothing brings me back to center like being in nature. It just heals my soul.

There’s something about fresh air, trees, and wide-open spaces that resets everything. And the best part? It’s free.

But here’s the thing—I don’t listen to music when I’m out in nature. I’ve tried, but I have a hard time being present when I do. Instead, I focus on the sounds around me—the wind in the trees, birds chirping, my footsteps on the ground. That’s where the real magic is.

If you’re feeling stressed, go for a walk outside. Take your shoes off and feel the ground under your feet. Breathe in the fresh air. You might be surprised how much better you feel.

7. Create a “No-Stress” Morning Routine

If your morning starts with hitting snooze, scrolling social media, and running out the door in a panic, it’s no wonder you feel stressed all day.

Instead, set yourself up for success:

• Wake up 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to.

• Avoid your phone for the first 30 minutes (no doom-scrolling).

• Have a simple morning ritual—whether it’s reading, journaling, or sipping coffee in silence.

A calm morning leads to a calm day.

8. Choose Your Thoughts Like You Choose Your Clothes

Your mind is like a garden. If you plant negativity, stress, and worry, guess what grows? But if you plant positive, empowering thoughts, your outlook shifts.

Try this:

• Start the day with a positive affirmation: “I handle stress with ease.”

• When a negative thought pops up, ask yourself: Is this thought serving me?

• Surround yourself with uplifting people, books, and content.

Because at the end of the day, stress isn’t just about what happens—it’s about how you respond. And you always have a choice.

Final Thought

Stress is a part of life. But suffering through it? That’s optional.

With a few small tweaks to your environment, habits, and mindset, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control. So start with just one of these tips today. Because less stress = more joy, and more joy = a life well-lived.

Now go light that candle, take a deep breath, step outside, and enjoy the peace you just created.