Decompressing
Not the same thing as doing nothing…
We all have days when we feel completely overwhelmed—burned out, exhausted, and just done. The sheer amount of self-help and self-care advice out there can make you feel even more burdened. It can seem like another task on your to-do list: read a book on how to care for yourself, listen to a podcast to figure out how to feel better, and so on.
I’ve found myself saying, "I just need to decompress." But honestly, the last thing I want to do is “work” on figuring out how to do that. And what does decompressing even mean? I’ve tried zoning out in front of the TV, scrolling through social media, or simply lying down to rest. Yet, none of those activities left me feeling refreshed or renewed, and I quickly learned that decompressing and doing nothing are two widely different things. Instead, I returned to my routine feeling just as drained as I did before.
Here’s what I’ve discovered: decompressing isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about releasing. TV, social media, podcasts, and even books are things we take on, not let go of. Even if they’re entertaining, they don’t help us release anything; they merely provide momentary distraction. They help me avoid for a moment.
To truly decompress, here’s what works for me:
Process What’s Weighing on Your Mind: I start with a brain dump—writing down every thought, worry, and task swirling in my head. It doesn’t have to make sense, look nice, or even be readable. This simple act of putting things on paper clears the mental clutter and allows the mind to rest, bringing a sense of relief and lightness. Writing activates cognitive processes that bring a sense of relief and help your mind let go of things it thinks it needs to hold on to.
Move and Get Some Sunlight: Energy has to go somewhere, so I take a short walk and soak in some sunlight. The natural light boosts serotonin and improves mood, leaving me feeling energized and uplifted. Even a 5-10 minute walk can do wonders for relieving stress.
Breathe and Center Yourself: As I walk, I focus on deep breathing. Stress often leads to shallow breathing, which isn’t healthy for the brain or body. Sometimes, I do not even realize I’ve been holding my breath. Intentional breathing keeps the brain fueled and focused, giving me a sense of control and clarity. During this time, I also pray and meditate—letting go of my worries and learning to walk in trust that it will all be ok. Whatever your practice is, whether it’s meditation or prayer, focus on releasing and being present.
Embrace the Quiet and Listen: Filling our lives with lots of noise (people, tv, social media) can impact our ability to really listen. Whether it’s listening to God or my thoughts, I take time to hear and then write down what comes to mind. If we do not learn to listen in the quiet, we will not be able to hear in the noise.
Decompressing isn’t about escaping—it’s about releasing. It’s about creating space for clarity, peace, and renewal by letting go of what’s weighing you down. When you take the time to clear your mind, move your body, breathe deeply, and truly listen, you allow yourself to reset in a meaningful way. The next time you feel overwhelmed, try releasing instead of avoiding. You may be surprised at how much lighter and clearer you feel when you allow yourself to truly decompress.
-Coach Jennie
I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or questions. Please feel free to drop those in the comments section below. Let’s talk!
