Self-Care During Stressful Times: 7 Simple Ways to Cope

Self-care during stressful times can easily slip to the bottom of our list. When work becomes overwhelming, money feels tight or life simply gives us too much to deal with at once, looking after ourselves can start to feel like another task.

However, self-care does not have to involve an elaborate routine or hours of free time.

Sometimes it means getting outside for ten minutes. On another day, it might mean talking to someone you trust, eating something nourishing or deciding that a task can wait until tomorrow.

Most importantly, self-care gives you an opportunity to recognise what you need and respond with a little more kindness towards yourself.

Here are seven simple ways to support yourself when life feels particularly stressful.

1. Get Your Body Moving

Movement can be a helpful way to support both your physical and mental wellbeing.

That does not mean you need to complete an intense workout. A walk, gentle stretch, yoga session, swim or even dancing around your kitchen all count as movement.

Regular physical activity can support mood, sleep and overall wellbeing. In addition, stepping away from whatever is causing stress gives your mind an opportunity to focus on something else.

Choose something you genuinely enjoy and that suits your body.

If exercise becomes another obligation on an already overwhelming list, try something smaller. Five minutes of stretching or a short walk outside is still movement.

2. Take Time for Yourself

When you have a lot to do, taking a break can feel counterproductive.

You might tell yourself that you will rest once everything is finished. Unfortunately, there is usually something else waiting.

Instead, try deliberately creating small moments of rest throughout your day.

Read a few pages of a book, listen to music, sit outside with a cup of tea or simply spend a few minutes doing absolutely nothing.

Your break does not need to be productive.

Giving yourself some breathing room can help you return to everything else feeling a little more refreshed.

3. Connect With Other People

Stress can sometimes make us withdraw from the people around us. However, connection can provide valuable emotional support during difficult periods.

Talk to a friend, family member, colleague or someone else you trust.

You do not necessarily need them to solve the problem. Sometimes simply saying something aloud can make it feel more manageable.

Likewise, you can tell someone what kind of support you need. You might want advice, practical help or simply somebody willing to listen.

If meeting in person feels like too much, send a message or make a quick phone call instead. Small moments of connection still count.

4. Pay Attention to the Basics

Self-care is often presented as something luxurious, but some of the most important forms of care are incredibly ordinary.

Have you eaten? Have you had enough water? When did you last step away from your screen? Are you exhausted?

During stressful periods, these simple needs can become surprisingly easy to overlook.

Try checking in with yourself throughout the day.

You do not need to create a perfect wellness routine. Instead, focus on giving your body some of the basic things it needs to carry you through a difficult period.

5. Create Small Moments of Calm

You cannot always remove the source of your stress. However, you may be able to create small pockets of calm around it.

For example, light a favourite candle while you work, make a comforting drink or put your phone away while you eat.

You could also spend a few minutes journalling, meditating or practising slow breathing.

If spiritual practice forms part of your life, this may be a good time for a simple grounding ritual. Hold a favourite crystal, sit quietly at your altar or step outside and reconnect with the natural world.

Keep it simple.

The aim is not to perform self-care perfectly. Instead, give yourself a moment where nothing else requires your immediate attention.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Say No

Sometimes self-care means recognising that you simply cannot do everything.

When your mental load is already full, another commitment can quickly become overwhelming.

Before automatically saying yes to something, give yourself a moment to think.

Do you genuinely have the time and energy for it? Is it something you need or want to do? Could it happen another day?

Setting boundaries does not mean you do not care about other people.

Your time and energy are limited resources. Protecting some of them for yourself can be an important part of looking after your wellbeing.

7. Choose Self-Care That Actually Helps You

There is no universal self-care routine.

One person may feel restored after spending time with friends, while someone else desperately needs an evening alone. You might love meditation, whereas somebody else finds gardening, gaming, baking or walking far more relaxing.

Try not to turn self-care into another standard you need to meet.

Instead, ask yourself a simple question:

What would genuinely help me right now?

The answer might change from one day to another.

Sometimes you need movement. Sometimes you need company. Sometimes you need sleep. Occasionally, you may simply need to admit that you are having a difficult day and lower your expectations accordingly.

Making Self-Care Part of Everyday Life

Self-care during stressful times becomes much easier when it does not depend on having lots of spare time, money or motivation.

Start small.

Choose one or two things that help you feel calmer, more comfortable or more connected with yourself. Then look for realistic ways to bring them into your everyday routine.

You could take ten minutes outside at lunchtime, put your phone away before bed or make Sunday evening your time to read and unwind.

Above all, remember that self-care is personal.

What restores somebody else may do absolutely nothing for you. Pay attention to what genuinely supports your wellbeing and allow your routine to change when your needs change.

If stress or anxiety begins to feel persistent, overwhelming or difficult to manage alone, self-care does not need to replace professional support. Speaking with a healthcare or mental health professional can be another important way of taking care of yourself.

Support Your Self-Care Journey

Creating small rituals around rest and wellbeing can make it easier to intentionally create time for yourself.

Take a look at our self-care products⁠ to find products designed to support those quieter moments of rest, reflection and reconnection.

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