Thought Work For Managing Stress

We all face stressful situations. From challenging relationships and parenting struggles to moments of overwhelming anxiety, life can throw plenty of curveballs our way. But while we can’t always control the circumstances causing us stress, we do have the power to change the way we think about them.

Next time you’re feeling stressed, try shifting your mindset with one of these helpful thought shifts. By reframing your thinking, you can take control of your emotional state and approach stress with more clarity and calmness.

1. Problem Solving 

When stress is related to a problem you’re facing, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But instead of focusing on fear and frustration, try viewing the problem as something you can work through.

• Thought Shift: “There is a simple solution here.”
• Reframe: “I don’t have to know the perfect solution. There’s more than one good approach.”
• Empowerment Thought: “I don’t solve problems from a place of fear. I solve problems from a place of clarity and empowerment.”

By changing your focus from the problem to potential solutions, you empower yourself to take action rather than getting stuck in stress.

2. Relationships

Interpersonal conflicts and challenging relationships often cause stress, especially when we have high expectations of others. The key to managing stress here is to accept that imperfection is part of every relationship.

• Thought Shift: “I am speaking to an imperfect person, and it’s ok that they’re imperfect.”
• Reframe: “I give myself permission to disagree with their behavior without feeling angry.”
• Empowerment Thought: “This relationship is meaningful and valuable to me, so I accept the bad with the good. And I can continue to help it mature and grow.”

This mindset allows you to navigate challenges with understanding and compassion rather than frustration, helping to keep stress levels low.

3. Parenting

As a parent, it’s easy to feel stressed about whether you’re doing enough, or whether you’re “getting it right.” But accepting your imperfections and embracing the process of learning and growing can lessen that pressure.

• Thought Shift: “I am an imperfect parent AND I love my child and I’m trying. Just like every other parent.”
• Reframe: “I am a mom who _________.” (Fill in the blank with empowering statements, like “loves her kid even when they’re naughty,” “is kind first,” or “lets things roll off her back.”)
• Empowerment Thought: “I can trust my intuition/spirit/faith/wisdom to help me know how to meet this child’s needs right now.”

Recognizing that no parent is perfect and that you are doing your best can take a huge load off your shoulders, allowing you to parent with love and patience.

4. Anxiety

Anxiety often arises from fear of the unknown or worry about what might happen next. When you feel anxious, ask yourself what you're really afraid of. Often, understanding the root of your anxiety can help you reframe your thoughts.

• Thought Shift: “What am I really afraid of in this moment?”
• Reframe: “I don’t live my life from a place of fear. I live from a place of empowerment, wisdom, and love.”
• Empowerment Thought: “I can be scared and do it anyway. I don’t have to let my fears control my decisions.”
• Strength Thought: “I can have worries AND feel strong and in control.”

This shift empowers you to acknowledge your fears while also choosing not to let them dictate your actions.

Why Thoughts Matter

Choosing thoughts that help guide the way you view stress is a powerful tool for managing it in a healthier way. When we change our thoughts, we not only change how we feel, but we also alter how our bodies react. By shifting to more empowering thoughts, you can reduce the physical stress response—allowing you to feel calmer and more in control.

Remember, you are not powerless in the face of stress. By changing your mindset, you can transform your experience of even the most stressful situations.

Want to learn more about thought work and stress management? Follow us on Instagram at @upliftforher.