Better Because Collective

5 Ways to

Manage Stress

Sept 18th | 7 min read

By Better Because Collective's Editorial Team

"There is no such thing as a stress-free life. No evidence has ever been presented which suggests that a stress-free life can ever be achieved. Stress can be managed, relieved, and lessened, but never eliminated.” — Gudjon Bergmann

Life moves fast, and sometimes the pressure can feel overwhelming. We all know that feeling of having too much on our plates. But even on the busiest days, taking a moment for yourself can make all the difference.

The key to managing stress isn’t always to make big life changes. Sometimes, it’s about having the right tools at your fingertips. That’s why we’ve gathered a variety of simple and effective strategies you can use to combat stress right away.

1) Do the 60-Second Reset

Why it works: Slow, nasal breathing calms your nervous system and lowers heart rate.

How to do it:

• Inhale through your nose for 4.
• Hold for 2.
• Exhale slowly for 6–8.
• Repeat for 60 seconds.
• Try this now: Count just 6 breaths before you scroll.

2) Ground Yourself with 5-4-3-2-1

Why it works: Shifts attention from racing thoughts to your senses.

How to do it:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 you can feel
• 3 you can hear
• 2 you can smell
• 1 you can taste
• Pro tip: Whisper each item; saying it out loud increases focus.

3) Take a 10-Minute Walk (phone free)

Why it works: Light movement + daylight reduces cortisol and boosts mood.

How to do it:

• Walk at a pace where talking is comfortable.
• Look at things far away (relaxes eye muscles + mind).
• Bonus: notice 3 new details on your route.

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4) Stress Journaling (3 minutes)

Why it works: Writing separates facts from fear and reduces rumination.

How to do it:

• Draw two columns: What I know / What I’m guessing.
• Fill for 2 minutes.
• Circle one item you can act on today.
• Script to use: “If this did happen, I would… [one step].”

5) Caffeine & Phone Curfew (Tiny Boundaries)

Why it works: Afternoon caffeine and doom-scrolling can affect sleep quality.

How to do it:

• Last caffeine by 2 p.m.
• Put the phone in another room 30 minutes before bed.
• If you must scroll: set a 5-minute timer first.

There's no single "right" way to manage stress. What works for one person might not work for another, and what helps on a busy Monday might be different from what you need on a quiet Sunday. The goal isn't to find a one-size-fits-all solution, but to explore different strategies—from mindfulness and exercise to creative outlets and time in nature—and discover what truly helps you find a sense of calm and balance. The most effective approach is a personal one, built on self-awareness and a willingness to try new things. We hope these resources provide you with helpful insights on managing stress.