51 Short Reminders That’ll Ease Your Stress More Than the Next Best Self-help Book
Do you remember Gandalf from the “Lord of the Rings”?
Don’t stress if you don’t or haven’t watched that movie.
There is a wise wizard that says,
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
It’s not just poetry. It’s stress management 101.
People think stress arises from uncertainty or unfavorable situations. But it’s not.
Research suggests that stress is the result of our negative response to the situation.
And what do you need to change the direction of thinking?
Reminders.
I’ve experienced that you don’t remember psychological concepts, strategies, or mindfulness techniques from self-help books when you're stressed.
That’s why I have a reminder list on my fridge that helps me channel my energy in a better direction and ease stress.
Consider these action-focused reminders to kick stress to the curb:
Action beats overthinking. Every time.
Prioritize and then act. Don’t let everything be ‘urgent’.
Laugh at a joke today, even if it’s your own.
Tidy space = tidy mind. Spend 10 minutes decluttering.
Stop waiting for motivation. Start, and motivation follows.
Binge-watching rarely solves anything. Get up and stretch.
Have a ‘no-screens’ hour. Create peace to feel peaceful.
Talk less, listen more. See how the scales tip.
Appreciate progress.
The sun still rises, regardless of your to-do list.
Over-planning can be procrastination in disguise.
Shake it out. Seriously, stand up and shake your limbs.
Write down three things you’re grateful for. Right now!
Engage in a mini workout. Five minutes can shift your mood.
Flaws make you human. Don’t aim to become a God.
Rehydrate. Drink a glass of water.
Music isn’t just for dancing. It’s therapy. Play your jam.
Do one thing at a time. Multitasking is a stress magnet.
Stress won’t help you ace it. Preparation will.
Delegate. Not everything needs your touch.
Call a friend. Not to vent, but to laugh. To reconnect. To share a win/loss.
Every problem isn’t yours to solve.
Plant something. Even if it’s just a thought.
An email break won’t break your career.
Don’t react. Pause. Respond.
Outdoors is the best rejuvenation therapy. Step out.
Compliment someone genuinely. Good vibes bounce back.
Creativity isn’t just for artists or content creators. Doodle. Cook. Sing.
Act on feedback instead of fretting over it.
Life’s not a spectator sport. Participate.
Say no, without explaining yourself.
You don’t need a new strategy. You need action.
Break tasks into mini-tasks. Conquer step by step.
Energy spent worrying is better used working.
Treat yourself like your best friend.
Sit up straight. Notice the mental shift.
Ignore the news for a day. The world won’t stop.
Go into your backyard and watch birds.
Smile. You’re the reason someone’s smiling.
Change isn’t against you. It’s for you. Embrace it.
Your worth isn’t your work. Detach, even if briefly.
Silence is golden. Relish in it.
A hobby isn’t “time waste.” It’s “me-time.” Indulge.
Your to-do list can wait. Your well-being can’t.
Dance. No reason is needed. Your brain will feel ventilated.
Appreciate without comparing. Comparison is joy-stealing.
Don’t carry work home. Physically or mentally.
Try a new route to work or home. Fresh sights, fresher mind.
A task done is better than perfect and pending.
Hug someone you love. It can even be a soft toy. It’s a stress melter.
Take a deep breath. Seriously, take a deep breath.
There’s no “Hogwarts School of Stress Management.”
But these reminders will surely change your focus towards the brighter side. I bet.
Become an Insider:
Loving these insights?
Consider hopping on board as a paid member of this newsletter.
By becoming a paid member, you're not just investing in content; you're investing in yourself, your future, and the decisions that will shape it.
I’m not done yet.
Missed my last newsletter on “Why You Actually Overthink?”
No problem…You can grab it here:
Thanks, so often we know things but REMINDERS are IMPORTANT. :)