7 Things To Do When You’re Feeling Stressed & Anxious

Here’s a page from my “Pausing for His Peace” devotion book.

Have you felt anxious and stressed before? Stress and anxiety can hit hard. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, walking through a difficult season, or just feeling off, you're not alone. I've been there, too. Over the years, I’ve found a few simple, faith-filled practices that help me re-center, calm my racing heart, and reconnect with God.

I created a page in my “Pausing for His Peace” devotion book where I outlined a few things I like to do when I’m feeling anxious and stressed. I wanted to go into those 7 items deeper in this blog post article. You can click here to get the Pausing for His Peace devotion book on Amazon.

If you’re feeling frazzled or anxious today, I pray these seven ideas encourage you and remind you where true peace is found.

1. Pray: Prayer is my most powerful weapon when my heart starts to race. I pause and cry out to God, my Prince of Peace. I ask Him to step in and calm my beating heart. I ask Him to fill me with His peace. I ask Him to help me lay my worries, cares, and burdens at the foot of His cross.

2. Read God’s Word out loud: God’s Word is a powerful weapon against anxiety. Sometimes anxiety can feel like a spiritual attack, and it is important to use the sword of the Spirit - the Word of God - to fight back against Satan. Ephesians 6:17 is where God’s Word talks about the sword of the Spirit being God’s Word. Here are some verses you can read out loud:

   • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

   • “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

   • “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalm 94:19)

   • “Cast all your cares on him, because he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

   • “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

   • “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)

3. Listen to worship music: I love listening to worship music, and it is especially helpful if I am feeling anxious or down. Here are a few of my favorite songs at the moment.

   • Brandon Lake - Hard Fought Hallelujah

   • Brandon Lake - Don't You Give Up On Me

   • Andrew Ripp - Breakdown

   • Samantha Ebert - Flowers

   • Sure Been Good (Tiffany Hudson) | Elevation Worship

4. Drink nervous system supporting tea or drink: I love a cozy drink. There’s something incredibly comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of tea or hot chocolate when you're feeling anxious. It slows you down, helps you stay present in the moment, and gives your body a gentle signal that it’s okay to rest. I love making a cozy drink during my quiet time. Something about the warmth reminds me of God's nearness. Here are a few of my favorite cozy drinks for peace and calm:

   • Lavender chamomile tea

   • Lemon balm tea is also great for stress, but be careful taking this if you’re on thyroid medication

   • Four Sigmatic Calm Mushroom Cacao Mix

5. Get outside and listen to the birds: Getting outside and in nature is a great way to calm down if you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Sometimes if I cannot get outside, I will even just open the window in my office or car, and the breeze has a similar effect. Did you know it is calming to listen to bird songs? Bird songs have been known to help lower the stress hormone cortisol. If there are not any birds outside around you, you can click here and listen to this YouTube video with bird songs.

6. Go for a walk: One of my favorite ways to reset when I’m feeling overwhelmed is to go for a walk. There’s something about stepping outside, breathing in fresh air, and moving your body that helps clear the mental clutter. Walking reminds me to slow down, to pay attention to God’s creation like the birds chirping, the flowers blooming, and the way the sunlight filters through the trees. It doesn’t have to be a long walk. Even just ten minutes can shift your perspective and help you reconnect with the Lord. It’s often in those quiet steps that I hear His gentle whispers of peace.

7. Try the Plant People WonderCalm mushroom gummies: I discovered these mushroom gummies at Whole Foods one day. There are various types of mushroom gummies that Plant People have, but I especially like the sleep type, and the calm one. When I get anxiety attacks, I reach for the WonderCalm gummies, and they are a great natural tool to help calm me down. You can click here to get them on Amazon.

Anxiety doesn’t have the final say. Jesus does. I hope these seven ideas give you practical tools to lean on when your heart feels heavy and your mind is racing. Whether you're sipping a calming cup of tea, listening to worship, or walking and talking with God, may you be reminded that peace is possible in His presence. Keep coming back to the One who calms the storm. He’s with you, He’s for you, and He’s holding you through it all.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this post is for encouragement and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle—especially if you're dealing with ongoing stress or anxiety. Therapy and counseling can be powerful tools in healing, and seeking support is a brave and important step. You are not alone, and there is hope.

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