The past few weeks in LA have been incredibly challenging with the devastation caused by the wildfires. It feels surreal, almost like living in a Twilight Zone episode. In moments of crisis, stress levels can spike, clouding our judgment and affecting our ability to respond effectively. Lately, it seems like everyone, myself included, is on edge.
Stress is a universal part of life, ebbing and flowing depending on our circumstances. However, how we manage it has a profound impact on our mental and physical well-being. The last five years, in particular, have been emotionally taxing—from the upheaval of Covid to the October 7th massacre in Gaza, and now the wildfires ravaging our city. Experiencing these unfortunate events can leave us feeling powerless, overwhelmed, and deeply unsettled.
To regain some control amidst the chaos, I’ve leaned into stress management tools and anxiety-coping techniques that have made a real difference for me. Since they’ve been so effective, I wanted to share them with you. Keep reading for my top 12 actionable tips to navigate stressful times with greater clarity and resilience.
xxMelissa
P.S. If you want to learn about microdosing with magic mushrooms, read my bonus tip at the end of this article!
Stress Management Tips and Tools to Use During Difficult Times
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1. Practice Breathing Exercises
Box breathing is one of my favorite ways to diffuse stress and tension. I do this breathing technique as soon as I wake up, and before I go to bed.
Inhale: Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose for the count of 4. Focus on expanding your belly and chest as you fill your lungs.
Hold: Hold your breath for the count of 4. Keep your body relaxed while holding.
Exhale: Slowly exhale through your mouth for the count of 4. Focus on releasing all the air from your lungs.
Hold: Pause and hold your breath again for the count of 4 before starting the next inhale.
Repeat as needed (I usually do this three times)
2. Find a Hobby or Activity that Brings You Joy
I love horseback riding, and it brings me so much physical and mental joy. If riding is not for you, there are so many activities you can explore like playing the piano, pickleball, going on art tours, and more! It’s fun to get into a new hobby with a friend.
3. Connect With Nature
Take a walk outside, watch the sunset, or simply listen to the birds chirping. There’s nothing more grounding than immersing yourself in the beauty of our planet. My favorite ways to de-stress by spending quality time in nature are watching the hummingbirds, admiring the beauty of the trees and flowers, sitting outside with my dog Bella, or hanging out with the horses at the barn. It brings me immense joy to stop and smell the roses.
4. Keep a Gratitude Journal and Read Inspirational Books
Journaling every day has been life-changing for me. I love this easy-to-use (and keep up with) gratitude journal called The Five-Minute Journal. I’ve found that when you physically write what you appreciate every day—even all the little things—life is put into perspective. Lately, I have been reading books by inspiring thinkers like Yung Pueblo and Vex King to stay grounded. I also recommend reading the books The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest.
5. Move Your Body
Make it a priority to get moving for 30–60 minutes every day! Whether it’s a brisk walk, a hike (10K steps a day is my personal goal), yoga, Pilates, horseback riding, or trying out new fitness classes, staying active is one of the best ways to manage stress. The type of exercise doesn’t matter—what’s important is finding something you enjoy. Movement not only helps you release pent-up tension but also floods your brain with feel-good endorphins, lifting your mood and improving your sleep. Plus, it gives you a mental break from worry and a chance to focus on yourself.
6. Incorporate Spirituality into your Life
Embracing spirituality can be a powerful way to reduce stress and reconnect with yourself. Practices like meditation, sound baths, and cleansing rituals can help you feel grounded and at peace. I love the soothing experience of a sound bath or meditating outdoors in nature—there’s something deeply calming about being surrounded by the elements. Even taking a few mindful minutes at the end of a yoga class can make a big difference. If you're new to meditation, apps like Insight Timer, Unplug, or Calm are fantastic resources to guide your practice. I also find comfort in cleansing my home with Palo Santo or holding onto specific crystals during challenging times
See my Amazon Spiritual Store for the best picks that support incorporating spirituality into your life!
7. Schedule Self-Care Time
Take a break from the news and the stresses of life by scheduling some “me time”. Taking baths is so helpful--I Iove adding my favorite soothing floral bath salts by Vertly to a warm bubble bath with lightly scented candles made with essential oils while listening to calming music to help melt away the stress. Do this 3x per week and you will feel the difference! My favorite candles are by Voyage et Cie. Use code glowgirl15 for 15% off. Recently, I’ve been making some time to sit in red-light saunas and find them great for detoxing!
8. Get a Good Night Sleep
It’s important to get a solid 7 + hours a night and listen to your body's needs. Sleep can boost your immune system, help with your mood, and increase productivity, contributing to stress reduction! Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I find taking supplements like Magnesium and Theanine very helpful! Also, be sure to put away your phone and computer at least 30 minutes before hitting the pillow. I also like to make a Calm Magnesium Tea before bedtime if I am too charged up at night!
9. Spend Time Connecting with Friends and Family
Spending quality time with loved ones—whether through meaningful conversations, shared meals, or even a quick FaceTime call—can work wonders for your well-being. These moments of connection trigger the release of serotonin, the feel-good hormone that boosts happiness and reduces stress and anxiety. Beyond that, social support has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, helping you feel more balanced and grounded. So, don’t hesitate to reach out: make the call, send the text, or plan the dinner. Sometimes, the simple act of being present with the people who matter most can be the best medicine.
10. The Human Touch
Sometimes, nothing soothes stress like the warmth of physical connection. Hugging, cuddling, or kissing a loved one can help you feel safe and supported during high-stress moments, thanks to the release of oxytocin—often called the "cuddle hormone."For a deeper sense of relaxation, consider treating yourself to regular massages. I find this to be a game-changer for managing stress. Even a quick massage while my nails are drying at the salon can make a big difference. Prioritizing touch, whether through loved ones or self-care rituals, is a simple yet powerful way to nurture your well-being.
11. Take Certain Supplements
Incorporating the right supplements into your routine can be a powerful tool for stress management. My integrative doctor and holistic nutritionist have recommended natural supplements and minerals that not only help reduce stress but also support overall mental well-being, including easing anxiety and depression. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re choosing supplements that are safe and effective for your unique needs. With the right guidance, these can be a natural and supportive addition to your stress-relief toolkit.
Magnesium (especially Magnesium Glycinate or Citrate)
I order most of my supplements from Amazon and Thorne. I also have a supplement freebie guide with all my must-have favorites, which you can download HERE. You can also find these on my supplements storefront on Amazon HERE.
12. Try Adaptogens
Adaptogens are natural substances, often derived from plants or mushrooms, that are believed to help the body adapt to stress, restore balance, and promote overall well-being. They’ve been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.
I have been taking adaptogen mushrooms in many forms for years now and find them very helpful for calming, focusing, and relaxing my mind. There are now so many great adaptogen mushroom products to choose from.
Some favorite Adaptogen Mushroom products include:
MUD/WTR
This powder blend is made with Cacao, Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps mushrooms, Turmeric and more. I usually have this first thing in the morning and is also great when I need an afternoon boost. Benefits include mental clarity, stress management, focus, and alertness. They make a night adaptogen formula too, Chai Rooibos with ingredients including Turkey Tail, Reishi mushrooms, Ashwagandha, Valerian Root, Turmeric, and more.
Click HERE for 15% off MUD/WTR
Moon Brew
This Night Time Super Foods: Hot Cocoa is my latest find and I’ve been enjoying it as my nighttime superfood blend. This helps me to relax, unwind, and get a restful sleep. It’s packed with adaptogenic and functional ingredients to calm the body and mind.
Click HERE to shop Moon Brew
Alice Chocolates
These are delicious, and they make day and night adaptogen chocolate bars depending on your needs.
Check them out HERE
Micropause
My gummy brand of choice and the Girls Gone Mild formula is made with Ashwagandha root that works wonders for chilling out!
Click HERE to order Micropause Products
BONUS TIP: Microdosing with Magic Mushrooms
Microdosing is something I’ve been doing over the past few years with tiny doses of psilocybin mushrooms three times a week—the dose is so small that you don’t feel high. I feel like myself with a more positive mindset and mood. It’s also been a game-changer for managing my stress and anxiety and brings a sense of calm, clarity, and new perspectives on things that once felt overwhelming.
The goal is NOT to trip, but to experience improvements in creativity, focus, and emotional balance. It’s not a magic fix, but a tool that helps you tune into yourself in a gentle and transformative way.
Microdosing doesn’t need to be a huge commitment—it’s about the consistency of small doses over time. If you’re interested in learning more about my Microdosing program, please DM me directly on Instagram and I will send over more information! If you want to experiment with chocolates first, I recommend the ones from Schedule 35. Use code melissameyers for 15% off.
Some Favorite Products That Can Help with Stress:
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Since stress affects all areas of our lives—our mood, sleep, weight, focus, and more, it’s good to try and get a handle on it before it negatively impacts our overall health. These stress-management strategies and products have helped my brain to slow down and relax which contributed greatly to achieving strong mental health. I hope you try some of these for yourself and DM me on Instagram with some progress updates!
*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or healthcare professional, so I encourage you to check with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.