FEELING OVERWHELMED? TRY THESE 3 STRESS-BUSTING STRATEGIES

Do you feel overwhelmed sometimes?

Here are three stress-busting strategies you can use in those moments—so you can access your best self. And when the stuff hits the fan, you’ll be able to take a deep breath and say, “Okay, bring it on. I got this.”

Watch the video or keep on reading for more.

1. Expect It

Too often, we put our heads in the sand and pretend life shouldn't be busy. But let’s be real: we live in a world that runs at 100 miles an hour. So let’s face it—stress is part of our reality.

Imagine a matador going to their doctor, complaining: “I’ve been feeling a lot of work-related stress lately.” Well… your job is literally to wave a red blanket in front of angry bulls. Of course you’re stressed.

Or picture a hockey goalie coming home after a game saying: “I couldn’t even watch the game—people kept shooting pucks at me all night!” Yes… that’s the job.

If you're a busy CEO, manager, or leader—or just living a full life—stress is going to happen. So instead of resisting it, expect it. When you accept that it’s just another Tuesday, your perspective shifts—and stress becomes much more manageable.

For example, I’m a speaker. I often deliver keynotes to large audiences, sometimes over a thousand people. I customize each presentation, sending out surveys to team members in advance to ensure the content directly addresses their needs.

I typically send those surveys 30 to 60 days before the event. Still, the night before the presentation, there are always a few responses that trickle in. And, without fail, at 6:00 AM on the day of the event, I’ll receive another last-minute response from someone who just remembered to fill it out.

So what do I do? I adapt. I don’t roll my eyes or get frustrated. I expect it. That’s why the night before any speaking engagement, I keep my evening free. I know changes might come in. And in the morning, I’m up early, ready to tweak my presentation so that every single person in the room feels seen and heard.

That’s the power of expecting it. When you do, it doesn’t catch you off guard—and it doesn’t own your stress response.

2. Prepare Others to Expect It Too

If you tell your team, “I guarantee your workload will not increase,” you’re not being honest. The economy is what it is, and sometimes resources are tight. Workload will increase. There will be more on their plates than they can finish in a single day.

So be upfront. And not just with your team—be honest with your family, too.

Don’t over-promise things you might not be able to follow through on. For example, instead of telling your child, “I’ll be at every single baseball practice,” say, “I’ll do my best to be there, but sometimes I may not make it.” That way, if you do show up, it’s a pleasant surprise—not a disappointment avoided.

Let’s say you have a meeting that ends at 5 PM and a family dinner at 6. Realistically, that meeting may run long. Traffic could be heavier than usual. So instead of saying, “I’ll be there at 6,” say, “I’ll probably arrive around 7:30. Go ahead, and I’ll meet you there.”

Then, if you show up at 7:00? You’re early, and it’s a win!

So under-promise. Prepare the people around you to expect that you might be late, or that your schedule is full. Managing their expectations helps you feel less guilty—and helps them feel more informed.

3. Be Your Best

You’re not at your best when you’re panicked and stressed. So what do you need to do in order to feel present, energized, and resourceful?

Think of the airplane analogy: you have to put on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else.

I travel a lot for speaking engagements. I used to rush home on the first available flight after an event, and the minute I walked in, my husband would say, “I missed you!” But instead of being present, I’d say, “I have to catch up on emails. I have so much to do…”

Now, I do things differently. I take the last flight out.

After the engagement, I give myself a break. I might visit a museum or take one of those two-decker city bus tours. Sometimes I go on a food tour—I love wandering around with a guide, learning about the local culture.

Then I go back to my hotel, catch up on emails, do my follow-ups, and prepare for what’s next. When I finally return home—whether later that night or the next day—I’m fully present. I walk in rested, happy, and ready to say, “How was your day? Tell me everything.”

So whatever you need to do—whether that’s taking a walk, hitting the gym, journaling, or meditating—do it. You owe it to yourself and the people around you.

I had a client who used to walk through the door stressed and short-tempered. His kids would run up to him, excited, and he’d snap. Now, he decompresses first—goes to the gym or takes a walk. By the time he gets home, he’s grounded. He walks in with energy and says, “What are we playing tonight?” He’s present. He’s theirs.

Your Turn

So, remember these three powerful strategies: