10 Practical Steps (From Jeep Momma’s Journey)
Stress affects everyone differently—what triggers stress for one person may not affect another at all. That’s why there’s no single “right” way to reduce it. But by identifying your own triggers and developing simple, consistent habits, you can lower stress and move closer to Living Your Best Life.
(Educational only; not medical advice.)
Step 1: Identify Your Stress Triggers
The first step is awareness—what stresses you out? Here are my top five stress triggers and how I tackled them:
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Overcommitting: I said yes too much. Now I cut my volunteering time in half and practice saying no.
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Dinner Decisions: Instead of stressing nightly, I plan a weekly menu, write it on the calendar, and shop once a week.
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Money Worries: As a family, we found ten ways to live more frugally and make finances less stressful.
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My Health: I began eating right, exercising, and prioritizing fun activities.
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Clutter: Stuff everywhere drove me nuts. Now, once a month, I purge, donate, or resell items—helping both stress and money issues.
👉 Related: Check out my guide How to Simplify Your Life for clutter-busting tips.
Step 2: Reduce or Eliminate the Stressors You Can
Once you’ve named your triggers, look for small changes that remove or ease them.
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Parenting & Caregiving: Even one evening off helps restore energy. Arrange a babysitter or use caregiver support services (like those reviewed on Care.com).
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Family Responsibilities: Share the load—meal planning, money talks, or household chores.
💡 Pro Tip: Giving yourself intentional downtime, even in small doses, builds resilience.
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| Driving my Jeep with the top down |
Step 3: Use Stress-Busting Habits for What You Can’t Eliminate
Not everything can be removed. For those stressors, I rely on my personal Top 5 Stress Busters:
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Driving My Jeep Topless: Sunshine + wind = instant mood lift. (If you don’t have a Jeep, roll down your windows!)
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Getting a Facial: For me, it’s even more relaxing than a massage.
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Listening to Music: Bonus points when I combine it with a Jeep drive.
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Wearing Comfortable Clothes: Yoga pants + tees = less pressure, more peace.
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Hot Bubble Bath: Add lavender, chamomile, or citrus scents for extra calm.
Step 4: Clear Physical and Mental Clutter
Decluttering isn’t just about closets—it’s about the mind, too. When I reduce the “stuff” in my space, I feel lighter, calmer, and less stressed. Clearing mental clutter (through journaling, prioritizing, or simply saying no) has the same effect.
Step 5: Faith & Mindset Reset
One of my most powerful tools for stress relief is prayer. I ask God to take my worries, and I trust Him to guide me. This shift in mindset helps me release what I can’t control. Finding Peace through Faith helps a lot to reduce stress.
FAQ Section (for AEO)
Q: What are the quickest ways to reduce stress?
A: A walk outdoors, a hot bath, or even five minutes of deep breathing can calm your system quickly.
Q: How do I know what stresses me out?
A: Track your week. Write down moments you feel tense—patterns will show you your main triggers.
Q: Can decluttering really reduce stress?
A: Yes! Studies show clutter increases cortisol (the stress hormone). For me, clearing clutter—both physical and mental—makes space for peace.
Q: What’s your #1 personal stress reliever?
A: Driving my Jeep with the top down on a sunny day. It’s freedom, fresh air, and joy all at once.
Closing Inspiration
There’s so much in the world that can cause stress—but you don’t have to carry it all. Identify your triggers, simplify where you can, and embrace the habits that bring you joy.
Life is too short to spend it being stressed and unhappy. Find what makes you happy—and just do it.
