Where Does Stress Come From?

Honestly —everywhere. Stress can stem from a million tiny things: a comment during a conversation, your crammed schedule, the unpredictable weather, or even the energy in a room (if you’re into that kind of thing). It’s constantly forming around us, and it manifests in ways we sometimes don’t even realise.

Whether it’s “small” things like waking up five minutes late (okay, that one hits hard for me) or life-altering events like a loved one falling ill, stress lives in all corners of our lives. It’s a natural part of being human—but it can become overwhelming, especially when we don’t know how to manage it in a healthy way.

How Stress and Eating Disorders Can Be Connected

From my own experience, unmanaged stress can become all-consuming. When it builds up with no outlet, it can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms—and for me, that developed into an eating disorder.

When life felt chaotic and out of control, the only thing I could control was what I ate. Or didn’t eat. Numbers, calories, food labels—these things became my false sense of order and security.

Recovery from an eating disorder is rarely linear. I’ve had relapses and hard days. But here’s what I’ve come to understand: while harmful coping mechanisms might seem like they “work” in the moment, they come at a cost. Healthy coping mechanisms may also feel temporary, but the difference? They don’t hurt you.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: how we coped with one difficult chapter of life doesn’t have to be how we cope with the next.

10 Gentle Ways to Cope with Stress (That Actually Help)

Since it’s Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to share some of the strategies that have helped me shift into healthier habits. Maybe some of these will resonate with you, too:

1. Pause and Breathe

A deep breath can change everything. Inhale slowly, exhale even slower. It’s one of the simplest but most powerful ways to calm your nervous system.

2. Hydrate with Intention

Drink a glass of water—or even better, make yourself a cosy drink. Something warm and soothing can feel like a little hug from the inside.

3. Get Creative with Your Hands

Use your hands: paint, bake, knit, garden, doodle. Creativity grounds you and gives your mind a break from anxious thoughts.

4. Change Your Environment

Step outside. Move to another room. Look into the distance. A change of scenery offers a change of perspective.

5. Watch or Read Something Funny

Laughter is medicine. Watch your favourite comedy, scroll through funny memes, or read something that makes you genuinely chuckle.

6. Wash Your Face

A splash of cold water, a face cleanse, or even a full skincare routine can feel like a physical reset button.

7. Engage Your Senses

Grab a cosy blanket, light a candle, put on some relaxing music—create a sensory environment that calms you.

8. Spend Time with Nature

Water your plants, take a walk, sit under a tree. Nature reminds us of rhythm, growth, and renewal.

9. Try Mindfulness Activities

Journaling, colouring, deep breathing, or even just sitting quietly. These practices help build emotional resilience, even in small doses.

10. Ask Yourself: Is This Helping Me Long-Term?

This question changed everything for me. Before turning to a usual coping mechanism, pause and ask yourself: Will this bring relief now and regret later? If the answer is yes—try one of the options above instead.

You’re Not Alone

Stress affects everyone. Eating disorders are complex, and healing is possible. If you’re struggling, know that help is out there—and there is no shame in asking for support.

Final Thought

You’re allowed to outgrow your old coping mechanisms. You’re allowed to change how you respond to stress. You’re allowed to try again—every single day.

Take it step by step, and don’t forget to breathe.