Stress reliefMental healthGeneral wellness

9-step stress management plan

Learn how to keep chronic stress from harming your health.


LearnStress management9-step stress management plan
Identify the source of your stress
Focus on the moment
Make a to-do list
Don't just react, work on a resolution
Release muscle tension
Exercise away stress
Meditate and breathe deeply
Schedule a worry period
Take a step back

1 of 10

It's hard to get through life these days without experiencing some amount of stress. The issue is how we respond to it. If you let unfinished tasks hang over your head or you constantly feel your life is spinning out of control, it can actually harm your health. That's why it's important to learn how to manage the stressful elements in your life—whether it's the tough boss or the rebellious teenager—and how to tone down your body's physical response to them. Here’s a plan to avoid letting your worries burden you and potentially lead to more serious health issues.

Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Mark Arredondo, MD.February, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Mark Arredondo, MD.February, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Curious about Stress relief?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

From exercise to meditation, here are 10 ways to manage unchecked stress.

10 healthy ways to handle excess stress
Slideshow

Is stress taking a toll on your body and mind? Watch for these warnings.

8 warning signs of too much stress
Slideshow

Keep your cool with these helpful coping strategies.

A 9-step plan to help control anger
Slideshow

You can’t control every stressor. But with these smart strategies, you can influence how they affect you.

5 simple ways to cope with stress
Article

Everyone has stress. Here are simple ways to help prevent small stressors from turning into big problems.

5 healthy ways to handle everyday stress
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.