8 Ways to Lower Stress (During the Holidays and Anytime)

Bob Baker
3 min readDec 4, 2023

By Bob Baker and Pooki Lee

Hello, friends! Today we’re excited to share some life-changing ideas about managing and reducing stress.

We cover it all in this video. You’ll also find a summary of the ideas we cover below.

Let’s dive into the eight ways you can bring more peace and joy into your life by focusing on what truly matters.

Take Charge of What’s in Your Control

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by things you can’t control? We all have. It’s important to remember that focusing on what you can control, like your actions and reactions, is key to reducing stress.

Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself, “Is this within my control?” If not, let it go and focus on what you can influence.

Establish Your Morning Routine and Use Affirmations

How you start your day often sets the tone for the rest. Do you have a morning routine?

Incorporating positive affirmations can empower you and give you a sense of control.

Even on tough days, sticking to your routine can provide a comforting sense of stability.

Choose to Respond, Not React

Life is full of unexpected challenges. The secret? Choose your response.

When you respond rather than react, you take a moment to assess and then act with intention. This small shift can make a huge difference in lowering your stress.

Show Compassion Towards Others

It’s easy to react negatively to someone else’s outburst — but remember, you have no idea what they might be going through.

Showing compassion can not only alleviate your stress but also potentially ease theirs.

Next time someone snaps at you, try to respond with understanding rather than anger.

Embrace Gratitude and Stay Present

Gratitude is a powerful tool. By focusing on what you’re thankful for, you can shift your perspective from stress to appreciation.

Try to stay present in each moment, embracing the now rather than worrying about the future.

Let Go of Trying to Control Everything

One of the most liberating things you can do is to let go of the need to control everything. Accept that some things are simply out of your hands.

This acceptance can bring a profound sense of peace and significantly reduce your stress levels.

Understand Everyone’s Unique Journey

Everyone you meet is on a unique journey. Recognizing this helps you to be less judgmental and more empathetic, which in turn, can decrease your stress as you learn to see situations from a broader perspective.

Don’t Take Everything So Personally

This is a big one! Often, people’s actions are more about their struggles than about you. When you stop taking things personally, you free yourself from unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil.

Bottom line: Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to control you.

By focusing on what’s in your control, practicing compassion, and embracing gratitude, you can live a more peaceful and joyful life.

We believe in you, and we know you’ve got what it takes to make these changes.

Here’s to a less stressed, more joyful you!

With love and encouragement,

Bob and Pooki

P.S. If you like this post, you’ll LOVE these things too:

Get your free copy of our Turbo-Charge Your Life ebook.

Join our High-Vibe Tribe Community (enjoy weekly Zoom calls and connect with our amazing global family).

Subscribe to my free YouTube channel filled with affirmations on abundance, success, confidence, gratitude, and more.

If you’re ready for some serious hands-on guidance, apply for our VIP Mentorship Program.

Get my Power of Affirmations book (either on Amazon or an autographed copy directly from me).

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Bob Baker

My mission in life is to inspire & empower people through audio affirmations, guided meditations, books, podcasts, music, art, coaching, and improv comedy.