Defeating Stress: Regaining Control and Embracing Joy
A year ago, I looked at my life and realized how much of it I had let slip by, consumed by stress and endless worry. I was stuck in a loop of “when things get better, I’ll enjoy life.” But life doesn’t wait. Stress had stolen moments I’d never get back.
I wasn’t sick, nor was I battling a life-threatening crisis. My enemy was something quieter but just as consuming—negative thoughts, anxiety, and the endless postponement of joy. I decided it was time to take my life back.
How Stress Becomes a Thief of Joy
When stress takes hold, it’s not just a feeling—it’s a state of being. I’d catch myself thinking:
I’ll make plans when things calm down.
I’ll take that trip when I’m less busy.
I’ll be happy when this problem is solved.
But the truth is, there’s always another problem, another worry. Stress hijacks our brain, suppressing the very things that can help us cope—play, recreation, and connection.
It’s not a survival instinct we need anymore. I wasn’t running from wild animals; I was sitting on my couch, paralyzed by my own thoughts.
The Turning Point
The realization came when I found an old photo of myself laughing with friends at a dinner years ago. I remembered how stressed I’d been back then—worried about deadlines, finances, and a dozen other things.
But in that photo, none of it showed. I looked happy, present, alive. That’s when it hit me: I could carry my worries and still live my life. Stress didn’t have to take over everything.
What I Did to Take Back My Life
Breaking free wasn’t easy, but I found small steps made all the difference:
I Put Fun on the Calendar:
I started scheduling leisure activities like appointments. I treated them as non-negotiable.
I Used Music to Shift My Mood:
Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I listened to my favorite playlist. It’s amazing how quickly upbeat music can break the stress cycle.
I Signed Up for a Weekly Hobby:
I joined a yoga class, forcing myself to get out and connect with others once a week.
I Acted as If:
On bad days, I’d pretend to be someone who never let stress hold them back. I’d show up, and within minutes, the funk would start to lift.
I Made Time for Play:
Whether it was going for a hike or playing a board game with friends, I prioritized activities that brought me joy.
Why Play and Leisure Matter
When I started prioritizing joy, I noticed a shift. Play didn’t just help me feel better in the moment—it made me more resilient to stress. Research backs this up:
Play reduces stress and builds coping mechanisms.
Leisure activities enhance mood and increase social support.
Fun experiences boost self-esteem and creativity.
By making time for play, I wasn’t avoiding my problems—I was recharging so I could face them with a clearer mind.
How You Can Start Living Again
If stress has been keeping you from enjoying life, try these steps:
Schedule Your Joy: Put a weekly fun activity on your calendar. Treat it like a commitment to yourself.
Shift the Mood with Music: Create a playlist of songs that lift your spirits and play it whenever stress creeps in.
Start a Hobby: Join a class or group that interests you. Regular engagement helps override stress and build connections.
Practice “Acting as If”: Pretend you’re someone who always chooses joy. Show up, even if you don’t feel like it.
Take Five Minutes: When stress feels overwhelming, step outside or look at the sky. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of pause.
Life doesn’t wait for stress to pass. Start living today. Download our Weekly Reflection Worksheet to track your progress and make time for what matters most.
Related Resources:
Best Books for Better Balance - Discover life-changing reads to inspire joy and purpose.
Daily Joy Tracker - A simple tool to help you find moments of happiness every day.