8 Tips For Eliminating Chronic Stress *Trigger Warning for Trauma Survivors*

For too long, we've normalized a state of perpetual activation, living in a constant "fight or flight" mode.

This prolonged state of high alert wreaks havoc on our physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being, leading to what many call "dis-ease" – a subtle but pervasive imbalance that can manifest in countless ways.

Stress can feel like an unwelcome and constant companion. Pressure, responsibilities, our daily emotional load – it's easy to believe that stress is an unavoidable part of life. 

Acute stress, the kind that helps us react quickly to danger or rise to a challenge, is a natural and beneficial part of our human experience.

But here's the distinction: while stress is unavoidable, chronic stress does not need to be your reality.

It’s not always our circumstances that cause us stress, but rather our perceptions of them and our capacity to cope. 

If you think this is a privileged perspective, you may not know my story and the work it's taken me to get here. From early complex childhood trauma, SA, addictions, eating disorders, abusive relationships, poverty, mental health crisis.. the list goes on and on. I don’t often speak on my experiences because I don't view them as part of my identity. Yes, these things happened along my way, but living well is possible. 

Once I understood that I had a choice, I was able to take responsibility for the life I wanted. However, this took a very long time to understand because choice is a very challenging concept for trauma survivors when your ability to choose is taken from you. Healing is not easy - it's a lifetime journey, so start getting used to giving yourself grace and patience NOW.

With access to the right information, you can be empowered to find a system of tools that not only helps you cope but helps you heal, overcome, and thrive. 

I have learned many ways to heal on my journey that I am passionate about sharing with you. You can discover what tools work best for you and use them to create a life that feels good for YOU. We were given a beautiful gift and power to activate our bodies' natural ability to heal, and with that, we can reclaim our health and reclaim our lives.

The good news? You CAN have a life that is peaceful,  passionate and enjoyed. Deep, cellular healing is possible from the inside, out. You have the power to choose this life for yourself.

After experiencing chronic stress and being in a state of nervous system activation (fight or flight) for so long, our bodies are in need of DEEP REST and recovery. If others don't understand it, they may call us lazy or unmotivated, but don't mind them! That could not be further from the truth.

We have an incredible, innate capacity to heal. Our bodies are designed for balance and restoration, and with the right coping tools, we can actively dismantle the grip of chronic stress and unlock our natural ability to heal years of accumulated damage.

What are these powerful tools? They aren't complex. In fact, they are often the simplest, most intuitive self-care practices that we tend to overlook in our busy lives. 

Here are my top non-negotiable self care practices that allow my body (physical, spiritual and mental) to enter a state of rest:

1. Taking breaks: in the morning first thing I do is pause. Before I open my phone, or starting working for anyone else or myself, I take a personal inventory of how I'm feeling and ease into my day with reflection and a warm beverage. I also take pauses throughout my day: I give myself a 30 minute breather when I start working before I take any calls or meetings. I also take FULL advantage of any vacations or work leaves that I have. 

2. Setting Boundaries with myself and then the people I love: These boundaries allow me to love on FULL without any feelings of resentment. I also set boundaries with people in my external world (colleagues, acquaintances, etc) and voice my limits and capacities so I don't overextend myself. I developed a personal list of “30 ways to say no” that allow me to maintain my boundaries while still responding with compassion and understanding. My voice and perspective are essential, and I remind myself of this constantly.

3. Tuning in: I pay attention to how my body responds to every question and situation. Did something feel uneasy? Unsettling? Not right? I pause long enough to listen, often times take time to reflect before responding right away. Saying “I'll get back to you on that” has been a valuable way for me to take back my power of time and reflection so that I can respond in a way that feels authentic, intuitive and aligned with my needs and values.

4.  Nourishing My Body: Fueling myself with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that support my energy levels, mood, and sustain me throughout the day. It's about conscious choices, not restrictive diets.

5. Prioritizing Sleep: Nothing gets in the way of my sleep! Quality sleep is a non-negotiable for repair and rejuvenation. I often practice “Intuitive Sleeping”: no alarms, no screens, just sleeping and waking up when my body feels it is ready. Establishing a sleep routine with enough hours through the night allows my body and mind to truly rest and recalibrate.

6. Self Actualization: Building my confidence and self-image. Knowing and believing that I am capable. How I speak to and about myself profoundly impacts my stress levels. Practicing self-compassion, acknowledging my strengths, and embracing my imperfections allows me to face the world with excitement and curiosity.

7. Nurturing Healthy Relationships: Connecting with supportive individuals who uplift me, and creating space for authentic connection, provides me a buffer against stress and loneliness.

8. Movement and Mindfulness: Simple activities like a daily walk, gentle stretching, or a few minutes of mindful breathing dramatically shifts my nervous system from overdrive to a state of calm. I'm never too busy for a break and walk. Nothing is that important that I can't take a few minutes in nature to self-regulate - even if I have to bring my work phone and kids with me, it still improves my mood dramatically!

These aren't just "nice-to-haves"; they are fundamental pillars that support your body's innate healing mechanisms. When you consistently integrate these practices into your life, you send powerful signals to your nervous system: "I am safe. I am supported. I am thriving."

This shift, from a state of chronic stress to one of ease, allows your body to reallocate its resources. Instead of constantly preparing for perceived threats, it can now focus on repair, regeneration, and true vitality. 

You have the power to undo years of mental fog, physical tension, emotional exhaustion, and spiritual disconnect.

Imagine a life where internal peace is not a luxury, but the norm. A life where you feel connected, vibrant, and capable of navigating challenges with grace. 

This isn't a distant dream; it's a tangible reality waiting to be embraced.

So, take a deep breath. Start small. Choose one simple self-care practice to integrate into your day. 

With access to the right information, you can be empowered to find a system of tools that not only helps you cope but helps you heal, overcome, and thrive. I have learned many ways to heal on my journey that I am passionate about sharing so you can find what's best for you and we can all we thrive together. I believe we have a beautiful gift and power to activate our bodies' natural ability to heal, and by reclaiming our health, we can reclaim our lives.

Recognize that you are the architect of your well-being. By choosing intentional ease over chronic stress, you activate your body's natural wisdom and step into a life that can truly be enjoyed.

I invite you to check out our NEW YouTube channel where we discuss the power of choice and more.

Take Care,

Fantanesh