Let’s be real; stress is a modern epidemic. Between endless to-do lists, tight deadlines, parenting, and those 3 a.m. anxiety spirals, it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re barely holding it together. If you’ve been googling “how to reduce stress naturally” or imagining booking a one-way ticket to somewhere remote and quiet (guilty!), you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to start feeling better. I’ve been on my own wellness journey, navigating mom life, running a business, and trying to stay sane in a chaotic world. I have picked up a few small but powerful habits that help me reset when life gets overwhelming.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite 5 secrets to managing stress that are simple, effective, and totally doable.
1. Start Your Morning With Nervous System Regulation
Most of us wake up and immediately grab our phones, scroll through bad news, and trigger our fight-or-flight response before we even brush our teeth. I used to be guilty of this too. What I didn’t realize is how much the behavior was dysregulating my nervous system first thing in the morning, leaving me wired and irritable for the rest of the day.
What I do now:
Before my feet hit the floor, I take 5 deep belly breaths. Just lying in bed. Breathing exercises are key to regulating your system. I inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 6. It’s a small reset for my vagus nerve and helps my body shift into a calmer state before the day begins.
Bonus: I keep a bottle of our Nummies Mindfeel tincture by my nightstand for those extra frazzled mornings. A few drops under the tongue and I feel noticeably more centered.
2. Find a Go-To Stress Snack (But Make It Brain-Friendly)
I’m not against stress-snacking — let’s be honest, sometimes chocolate is medicine. But what we eat when we’re stressed directly affects how we feel mentally and emotionally.
My go-to? A handful of walnuts, dark berries, and a couple of our Functional Mushroom Gummies. With Lion’s Mane, which is known for its cognitive and nervous system support, walnuts have omega-3s that are natural mood stabilizers.
It’s about retraining your brain to reach for foods that actually help you cope, not ones that leave you crashing and craving more.
3. Create a 5-Minute ‘Reset Ritual’
I used to believe stress relief required a 90-minute yoga class or a weekend retreat. Now I know it’s the tiny, consistent moments that matter.
Here’s my 5-minute Reset Ritual:
- Turn off notifications
- Step outside, barefoot if possible
- Take 4-5 deep breaths
- Repeat one mantra or affirmation (mine: “I am safe in this moment”)
- Sip water or herbal tea. My favorite warm lemon water.
This ritual has saved me from countless mid-day meltdowns. It’s free, it’s fast, and it reminds your body that you’re not in danger — even if your inbox says otherwise.
4. Use Adaptogens for Resilience
I used to think herbs were only for hippies. Now? I’m a full-blown adaptogen convert. Adaptogens are natural substances (plants, mushrooms, herbs) that help the body adapt to stress and bring it back into balance.
My favorites:
- Reishi Mushroom: Calms the nervous system and improves sleep.
- Ashwagandha: Supports adrenal health and lowers cortisol.
- Schisandra: Great for emotional balance and stamina.
I rotate these in teas, tinctures, and in our Nummies gummies and drops.
5. Ditch Perfectionism (For Real)
This one’s the hardest. So much of our stress comes not from what we have to do, but from the pressure to do it perfectly. I am guilty of that!
When I stopped trying to “do it all” and instead focused on doing what mattered — imperfectly, with grace — my stress levels dropped dramatically.
How I remind myself:
- I keep a sticky note on my laptop that says “done is better than perfect”.
- I let myself be human. Some days, pancake is dinner, and that’s okay.
- I celebrate tiny wins instead of chasing huge, impossible ones.
Stress is unavoidable — but how we manage it is a choice. These small practices aren’t groundbreaking on their own, but together, they’ve transformed my mental health, energy, and relationships.
If you’re ready to feel less frazzled and more grounded, pick one to try this week. And if you want a shortcut, our Nummies Stress Support line is packed with adaptogens and functional mushrooms designed to calm your mind without sedating your soul.
Stress might be inevitable, but suffering doesn’t have to be.