Let’s be real: stress is my middle name—right between “Mother of Three” and “Sole Breadwinner.” As the head honcho of this home-based circus (a.k.a. my business), I hardly ever sleep enough. Thankfully, my husband has nailed the stay-at-home dad gig like a pro, but guess who the kids still treat like their personal quest-giver? Yep, that’s right. If you’re feeling like a walking ball of stress and anxiety, welcome to my chaotic realm.

Let’s talk about stress. It’s like carrying around a cursed bag of holding, filled to the brim with laundry, snacks, and a to-do list that could rival the “Tome of Infinite Pages.” Chronic stress is no joke; it’s a dream killer and a body betrayer. When we’re stressed, our bodies hit pause on essential functions like digestion—so your health is getting a big fat “nope.” Not cool, stress; not cool.

But fear not! Here are my go-to stress-busting tips to help you reclaim your sanity and keep those dreams alive, straight from the cleric’s tome of self-care:

My NIghtly Soak: Bathing in Zen

Nearly every day I indulge in the hottest bath imaginable. Seriously, if I don’t come out looking like a lobster, did I even soak? Sometimes I have bubbles and others I opt for lavender and Himalayan cedarwood to create the ultimate chill zone. It’s my sacred time to unwind, and I always leave with at least one brilliant idea—just like a cleric with a fresh spell slot. So, consider it your weekly reset. This is also a great time to talk with your God/s if you like to do such things.

Stretch It Out (Chant Included)

“Stretch, stretch, stretch, stretch”—that’s my mantra. I aim for 3-4 sessions a week, and I’m basically casting “Flexibility” on myself. You don’t need to kill yourself at the gym; even simple stretches while waiting for your coffee can work wonders. Incorporating stretching into your routine makes it feel less like a chore and more like a self-care ritual worthy of a dungeon master’s approval. Here’s a simple posture stretching PDF for your stretching pleasure.

Tune OUT the News

Let’s face it: if the world is ending, you’ll find out, even if you skip the news. All it does is fuel fear, anger, and anxiety—like a curse that just won’t go away. I tuned out intentionally in 2009, and it was like casting “Calm Emotions” in my brain. Focus on your vision instead of drowning in negativity. Your mental health will thank you, and you might just find the secret to your next epic quest.

Playtime: It’s Not Just for Kids

When was the last time you let loose and just played? Whether it’s a dance-off with your kids or channeling your inner bard with some silly songs, playing is a serious stress-buster. Forget adulting for a minute; embrace the joy of being silly. You’ll feel like you just scored a critical hit in your self-care journey.

Music: The Ultimate Mood Booster

When stress hits, blasting my favorite tunes and singing like a rockstar is my go-to remedy. Music is magical—it has this incredible ability to help you release emotions and feel lighter, much like a well-timed “Healing Word” spell. Whatever you’re feeling, there’s a song for that. So crank it up and belt it out!

Supplements: My Nutritional Lifesavers

Let’s cut to the chase: stress messes with your digestion, meaning your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly. That’s where supplements come in, like trusty potions in a cleric’s backpack. They’re like little nutrient ninjas that don’t require your digestive system to work overtime. I swear by my food-based vitamins—they’re like snacks for your cells, ensuring you’re not running on empty when facing the dragons of daily life.

I hope these tips help you tackle the stress monster lurking in your dungeon. Remember, it’s a tough journey, but you’re not alone, and you deserve to be kind to yourself. You’re worth it, champion!

And if you’re curious about how stress affects you and want expert advice, check out my online Wellness Center for free resources from nutrition pros.

Take care this week, and remember: don’t sweat the small stuff (because it’s all small stuff)!

Now go forth and thrive, my fellow adventurers!

K.

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