April 20, 2026
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Everyone feels stress at some point. Whether it's losing a job, juggling bills, or studying for an important exam, we all face challenges that can cause stress. It's a completely natural reaction to difficult situations and a normal part of life. Too much stress for too long, however, can put a strain on your mental and physical health — so it's important to learn techniques to bring it under control.
Here are four tips to help you dial down the stress and bring back a sense of calm:
Pause and take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you feeling frustrated? Scared? Nervous? The first step in controlling stress is recognizing when it's happening and the emotions that come with it. You can use our Check Yourself Tool to see how you're feeling right now.
Talk about your feelings with trusted friends or family when you're feeling stressed. They can provide comfort and encouragement. Sometimes, just having someone who will listen can make all the difference.
You can help relieve stress by doing any combination of the following:
HMC's Your CalmKit — now available in early access — is designed to support stress relief from every angle. Whether you need to go for a walk, try a breathing exercise, or unwind with a guided meditation, Your CalmKit has a tool for it. Features include MOVE (activity tracking), BREATHE (guided breathing), CALM (meditation), REFLECT (journaling), and CENTER (grounding exercises). It's a full stress management toolkit in one place.
Talk to a healthcare professional if the stress doesn't go away or is getting worse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Stress is a natural response to the challenges we face in life, but too much can have serious effects on the mind and body. You can reduce stress by finding the right technique — or combination of techniques — for you. If your stress worsens or doesn't go away, talk to a healthcare professional for additional help and support.
Health Matters Clinic offers mental health resources including wellness sessions, podcasts, a resource directory, and more. Visit our website to explore all of our tools and programs.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medical issues and before starting, changing, or terminating any medical treatment.
