April is Stress Awareness Month, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. This year’s theme, #LeadWithLove, is a reminder to treat ourselves with the same kindness we show others.
But let’s be honest, when you’re truly stressed, hearing advice about meditation, deep breathing, or “just talking about it” can feel like one more thing on your already full plate. Sometimes, even well-meaning suggestions can make stress feel worse.
If that resonates with you, here’s a different approach: four simple actions, one for each week of April. These small steps won’t add pressure to your day, but they will help you build habits that reduce stress over time. By the end of the month, you’ll have a few tools that feel natural, without the overwhelm.
Week 1: The 30-Second Reset
Do one thing each day that gives your brain a break.
• Stare out the window for 30 seconds.
• Put your phone down and take three slow breaths.
• Step outside between lessons and feel the air on your face.
No pressure, no expectations, just a short, intentional pause to reset.
Week 2: The Non-Negotiable Break
Pick one thing you enjoy and do it for five minutes a day.
• Listen to your favourite song before work.
• Make a cup of tea and drink it without checking emails.
• Read something just for fun.
This isn’t about productivity or self-improvement. It’s about reclaiming five minutes for yourself.
Week 3: The ‘No’ Practice
Say “no” to one unnecessary task this week.
• Skip the meeting that could’ve been an email.
• Postpone something that doesn’t need to happen right now.
• Set a small boundary—like not checking work emails after 7 p.m.
Protecting your time is an act of self-care.
Week 4: The Five-Word Check-In
Before bed, describe your day in five words.
• “Exhausting, funny, stressful, busy, hopeful.”
• “Non-stop, rewarding, chaotic, productive, done.”
No journaling, no long reflections, just five words. Over time, this tiny habit helps you notice patterns and make small changes without pressure.
By the End of April…
You’ll have built four simple habits that fit into real life. No pressure, no guilt—just small shifts that make a difference.
If you take one thing from this month, let it be this: you don’t have to overhaul your life to manage stress. Tiny moments of care add up. And when stress makes everything feel like too much, simplicity is the best place to start.
More about Stress Awareness here.
More wellbeing tips here.