THow many times have you told yourself, "I just need a vacation"? It's a go-to line for many of us dealing with life's stress and challenges. I’ve heard it from my clients for years. But being completely honest—a vacation isn’t a magic fix, and we both know it, right?

While vacations are awesome for a short-term break –and maybe a sexy tan– they're not solving the underlying problems that made you run away in the first place. It’s easy to blame others when things don’t change after you come back. "I took time off, I relaxed, so it’s not my fault things are still bad." Well, I hate to break it to you but, even if the initial situation that was stressing you out was not necessarily your responsibility, the aftermath after avoiding it will be. It’s actually up to everyone involved to do the hard work of addressing the root causes before it becomes an unmanageable nightmare.

Instead of running away, let's face things head-on. It might mean awkward conversations, dealing with anger or frustration, maybe even some tears. But this is how we grow and find real solutions like real, very aware and responsible adults. Avoiding problems only leads to a never-ending cycle of stress and escape and that's exhausting.

Anger, especially when rooted in past trauma, can be overwhelming and deeply destructive. However, by understanding its source and taking proactive steps to address it, you can begin to heal and regain control over your emotions. My journey from anger to healing was not easy, but it was necessary for my well-being and for the relationships I valued, and now I’m a totally different person. If you're struggling with similar feelings, know that you're not alone, and there is hope for a brighter, more peaceful future.

Today I want to share with you how my journey unfolded and possibly help you release the anger, in case you’re going through something similar.

Realizing that the root of my overwhelm was not my packed schedule, the labels, or the future and past worries, but the sense of being out of control, was a turning point. I started focusing on what I could manage and took small steps to regain control over my life. I practiced mindfulness to stay present, set realistic boundaries, and sought tools and strategies that worked for me.

I learned a lot down this bumpy road and I’m not the kind to gatekeep, so I want to share this with you.

In this blog, I invite you to explore some top-tier stress management techniques that empower you to waltz through life’s challenges with grace. As a coach, I’ve witnessed real transformation—how stress, when harnessed wisely, can propel us toward our best selves. So, let’s dive deeper into stress management with a more human touch. Imagine we’re sitting together, sipping herbal tea, and having a heart-to-heart chat about how to keep stress at bay. If that was the case, these would be my tips: