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Stress doesn't wait for a convenient moment to show up.

Most of us manage it reactively, reaching for relief after we're already running on empty. But there's another way to approach it: building a toolkit intentionally, before the pressure peaks, so you have something to reach for when it does.

That shift (from reactive relief to proactive management) starts with understanding what stress actually is and how it works. And it turns out, you already have more tools available than you may realize.

If you want to start building your stress management toolkit, consider these four things:

Know the difference between eustress and distress. Not all stress is harmful. Eustress — the kind tied to things that matter to you — can sharpen focus and motivate action. Distress is the kind that depletes you. Recognizing which one you're dealing with changes how you respond and gives you more options for what to do next.

Learn your body's early warning signals. Tension in your shoulders, shallow breathing, disrupted sleep, digestive changes — these aren't just side effects of a busy life. They're your body's stress response in action, and your body often knows before your mind does. The earlier you catch those signals, the easier stress is to address.

Keep a practical checklist of strategies that work for you. No single approach works in every situation. Some strategies are better for preventing stress from building; others are better for recovery. Having a short list of go-to options — movement, music, laughter, breathing, nourishment — means you're not starting from scratch when you're already overwhelmed.

Activate your Vagus Nerve. Your nervous system has a built-in stress regulation tool, and simple practices like slow intentional breathing, humming, or cold water on your wrists can engage it. You don't need a program to use it — just the knowledge that it's there and how to reach it.

If you'd like to learn more and hear about all five strategies, check out Episode #334 of the Positively Living® Podcast:

>> Listen to the podcast here​

>> Read the blog post here​

One shift, practiced before the pressure peaks, is more useful than five strategies you only remember when you're already maxed out. Start with what resonates and keep building from there.

💜

Lisa

Other Resources

The Thrive Through Perimenopause & Beyond Summit started October 6th. In this free event, you'll have access to 25+ experts talking hormones, metabolism, brain health, sleep, and more — including my own conversation with our host, Kristi, on How to Actually Get More Done: The Productivity Shift Perimenopausal Women Need to Know.

>>> Save your seat here: positivelyproductive.com/ThriveSummit26​

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