6 Stress-Busting Tips from a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist

By Cara Guderian, LAC

Managing Stress Without Losing Your Mind 

Stress is unavoidable. But how we deal with it can make all the difference. The good news is that it doesn't have to be complicated. There are practical strategies to reduce stress, calm your nervous system, and feel more in control. Here's a breakdown of simple yet evidence-informed strategies to manage stress effectively. 

Prioritize Self-Care 

Self-care is so much more than bubble baths with overpriced candles. It's a way of signaling to your brain and nervous system that you are safe and in control. Self-care includes prioritizing sleep, making space for hobbies, and doing activities you truly enjoy. It reduces stress, restores energy, and prevents emotions from running the show. Consistent self-care strengthens your resilience, so you respond to stress with clarity instead of panic. 

Move Your Body 

Exercise releases built-up tension and completes the stress cycle. But it doesn't have to feel like a punishment. The secret is to make it enjoyable. Take a walk with a friend or listen to your favorite podcast. Or maybe you prefer to crank up your favorite tunes and have a spontaneous dance party (a party of one totally counts!), or stretch while binge-watching Netflix. Doing this a few times a week can leave your body and mind feeling calmer, lighter and more energized. 

Be Proactive 

Be proactive in managing your stress. Begin by noticing what increases your stress, maybe it's too much time on social media, not enough self-care, overcommitting, or people-pleasing. Then see what you can adjust. Learning to set healthy boundaries protects your time, energy, and sanity. 

Strengthen Emotional Regulation 

Breathing exercises, slow deep breaths, calm your nervous system. When stress arises, notice it, name your emotion, ("I'm noticing I'm feeling frustrated"), and allow it to exist without trying to change it or allowing it to hijack your actions. Pause, observe, and then respond. This builds emotional regulation and resiliency. 

Seek Support When Needed 

Stress management is a skill, not a magic trick. If these strategies feel hard to implement, a therapist can help you understand what's keeping you stuck and create a personalized plan to handle stress more effectively. 

Final Thoughts 

Managing stress isn't about erasing it, (spoiler: that's impossible). It's about building a tool-kit that helps you move through challenges with more calm, clarity, and confidence. With practice, you'll spend less time feeling hijacked by stress and more time feeling steady and in control. Even small steps add up.

At Re.Wellness, we believe in total-person care, rooted in community. That's why we partner with specialists across the medical field to connect clients to top insights and care.

This week, we highlight Cara, a Licensed Associate Counselor with advanced training in EMDR and a certified clinical trauma specialist, currently working toward full EMDR certification.

She is passionate about fostering healing through connection and believes that growth happens best in community, not isolation.

To know more about Cara's Practice, you can connect with here.