Stress Management 101: 3 Steps to Start With

Stress is an undeniable part of our lives. In a world full of uncertainties, we need to build stress management skills to stay strong and create the life we want. In this article, I’ll walk you through 3 simple steps to get started.

1. List Your Stressors

Stress often clouds our thinking and makes it difficult to see our situation clearly. And if we can’t see it, managing it becomes much harder. That’s why awareness is the very first step.

You can start by asking yourself these questions:

1. What are the main issues causing you stress?

2. How long have you been experiencing stress about each of these issues?

3. If you rated your stress level for each one on a scale of 1–10, what would you give?

4. How is stress affecting you and your life (career, relationships, etc.)?

I suggest writing your answers down in a notebook, on your phone, or on your computer. This way, you’ll see the bigger picture more clearly and feel more in control.

2. Identify Your Circle of Control

In stressful moments, we often feel helpless—like we’ve completely lost control. Identifying our circle of control is key to taking back the reins.

Reflect on these questions:

1. Which of your stressors are completely outside your control? Which ones are mostly determined by external factors?

2. Which stressors do you have at least some control over?

3. If you rated your level of control over these on a scale of 1–10, what score would you give each?

Answering these questions can make you feel stronger and more confident. You’ll start to see more clearly where you have the power to make changes.

3. Take Action

Once you’ve built awareness, it’s time to take action. Based on your insights, ask yourself:

1. Which area from your circle of control do you want to start working on first?

2. For that specific issue, what practical steps could you take to reduce stress?

3. What do you need in order to let go of (or be less affected by) the stressors outside your control?

With these answers in hand, you’re ready to take action. :) Starting with the easiest steps will make the process smoother.

Ultimately, stress management is about accepting what’s beyond our control and taking concrete steps to change what we can influence. In this article, I’ve shared a starter guide to support you in this process. I hope this exercise helps you see the bigger picture and build a healthier relationship with stress.