Stress happens, and the last thing any of us want is a long list of things we should do. “Try deep breathing.” “Go for a walk.” “Be present.” Yes, practicing mindfulness regularly can help you de-stress, but when you’ve got 10 minutes between meetings and your lunch is still in the microwave, the smallest things can start to get to you. Instead of thinking about the things you should do, take a few minutes to de-stress in a way that actually works for you.
Authentic Blues recentre through connection and meaning, not spreadsheets or checklists. When life gets hectic, try something that reminds you of what actually matters. Send a quick text to someone you care about. Bonus points if it doesn’t start with “Sorry I’ve been so busy”. Put on a song that hits you right in the feelings. Or jot down a few things you’re grateful for, not because a wellness influencer told you to, but because it helps you breathe easier. A short, genuine conversation can do more for your mood than any amount of doom-scrolling ever will.
For Inquiring Greens, when stress piles up, your brain’s first instinct is to see it as a problem to solve. Try feeding that curiosity instead of fighting it. Listen to an interesting podcast while you commute. Read a short article on something that fascinates you; it doesn’t have to be practical; it just needs to engage you. Do a quick puzzle or brain-teaser, something to remind you that you’re still sharp… just don’t get sucked in for hours! Or take a step back and look at the big picture of what’s actually causing your stress; chances are, it’s not the thing you’re blaming. Bonus points for watching a short documentary clip that restores your faith in human ingenuity, or at least distracts you long enough to reset.
Organized Golds find peace in order. Chaos stresses you out faster than a missed deadline, and “winging it” is not your love language. When things feel out of control, bring back a little structure. Start with a detailed to-do list and knock off one easy win just to feel the gears turning again. Tidy your desk, clear your inbox, or finally tackle that drawer that’s been quietly judging you. Review your calendar and block out some protected time for yourself; yes, even that counts as productivity. Or, if you’re really in the zone, create a small routine to make your mornings run smoother. You don’t need a full overhaul, just enough order to remind yourself that you’ve got this. Once things are in their proper place, your stress usually is too.
For Resourceful Oranges, sitting still and “relaxing” isn’t really your style. You need to move, shift gears, or shake things up. Take a brisk walk, get up and stretch, or step outside for some fresh air, anything that gets your body moving. When you get stuck on a task, switch it up instead of forcing it; momentum is your secret weapon. Play some upbeat music while you work, or turn a mundane chore into a creative mini-challenge. If you’re feeling really adventurous, tackle a problem in a completely new way, sometimes the thrill of improvisation is all you need. For you, de-stressing isn’t about stillness or quiet reflection; it’s about action, spontaneity, and finding a rhythm that lets your mind catch up with your body.
No matter which personality colours your plaid, de-stressing isn’t actually de-stressing if you’re adding one more thing to your mental load just because someone says it “should” help. Some of us need a moment to reconnect, a moment to think, a moment to move, or a moment to just stare at a drawer until it’s tidy. Do it for five minutes, do it for ten, or just do it long enough to remember that you don’t have to survive the day in one stressed-out lump. Small, simple, and slightly satisfying is all you need.
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is a lifelong Introvert, and the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners and HR Professionals get the right tools to do their best work. Brad is also on the board of directors for the Career Professionals of Canada, and an advisory committee member with the Career Development Professionals of Ontario.
