6 Ways to Relieve Psoriatic Arthritis Flares: Natural Remedies and Tips for Quick Relief

By Elena Vargas – Wellness & Nutrition Expert

Waking up to that familiar ache, the swelling that makes every movement a challenge—psoriatic arthritis flares can turn a good day upside down, leaving you frustrated and searching for relief. As a 42-year-old registered dietitian and mom of two in sunny California, I’ve navigated my share of health hurdles, including supporting loved ones through chronic conditions like this. Drawing from science-backed strategies and my own morning green smoothie rituals that keep inflammation at bay, I’m here to share 6 ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares effectively. Whether it’s through gentle movement or anti-inflammatory nutrition, these tips can help you reclaim your energy and comfort. Let’s dive into practical, upbeat approaches to manage flares and foster that radiant, balanced life you deserve.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything from identifying triggers to incorporating supplements, all aimed at helping you relieve psoriatic arthritis flares naturally. Backed by insights from trusted sources like the Arthritis Foundation and Cleveland Clinic, these methods empower you to take control. Remember, while these are helpful, always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Difficult‐to‐Treat Psoriatic Arthritis: A Conceptual Approach …

Alt text: Illustration of psoriatic arthritis flare symptoms including joint swelling and skin patches, highlighting ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares through targeted relief methods.

Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis Flares: What Triggers Them?

Before diving into relief, it’s essential to know what sparks these episodes. Psoriatic arthritis flares often stem from stress, infections, or even weather changes, leading to intensified joint pain and skin symptoms. Tracking your daily habits can reveal patterns—much like how I monitor my hormone levels through bloodwork to maintain balance at midlife.

Prioritize Rest to Calm Inflamed Joints

When a flare hits, rest becomes your best ally. Avoid overexerting affected areas to prevent further damage, as recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. Gentle joint protection with braces or supports can ease stress, allowing your body to recover.

Harness Heat and Cold Therapy for Quick Pain Relief

Alternating heat and cold is a simple yet powerful way to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares. Apply ice packs for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling, then switch to a warm compress for stiffness— a technique supported by Cleveland Clinic experts. The exact heated blanket I use for soothing evenings is this electric heated blanket, perfect for those chilly nights when flares worsen.

creakyjoints.org

How to Care for Your Skin When You Have Psoriatic Arthritis

Alt text: Person applying ice pack to swollen joint, demonstrating heat and cold therapy as one of the ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares effectively.

Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet to Reduce Flare Intensity

Nutrition plays a starring role in managing inflammation. Focus on omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts, while avoiding triggers such as processed sugars. My go-to anti-inflammatory boost? Adding vital proteins collagen to smoothies—the exact one I stir into my morning blend for joint support. Explore more in our nutrition guide for meal ideas that align with relieving psoriatic arthritis flares.

Incorporate Gentle Exercise Like Yoga or Swimming

Low-impact activities keep joints mobile without aggravating symptoms. Yoga and tai chi, praised by the American Academy of Dermatology, improve flexibility and reduce stress. Start slow, perhaps with a session using a supportive yoga mat for comfort.

Practice Stress-Relief Techniques to Prevent Future Flares

Stress is a notorious trigger, so mindfulness can be transformative. Daily meditation or deep breathing, as outlined in Psychology Today resources, helps lower cortisol levels. I unwind with this essential oils diffuser, diffusing lavender for calm—currently 30% off, run! Pair it with our stress management toolkit for more ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares through relaxation.

creakyjoints.org

Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, Outcomes

Alt text: Yoga pose for joint relief, showcasing gentle exercise as a key method among ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares naturally.

Use Over-the-Counter Remedies Wisely

For immediate relief, NSAIDs like ibuprofen can ease pain and swelling, per Mayo Clinic guidelines. Always check with your doctor first. Complement with topical creams for skin flares.

Stay Hydrated and Moisturize to Support Skin Health

Dehydration exacerbates symptoms, so aim for ample water intake. Moisturizing affected skin prevents cracking—try a nourishing lotion infused with oribe gold lust nourishing hair oil principles for overall wellness.

Track Symptoms with a Journal or App

Monitoring flares helps identify patterns. Use a simple notebook or app like the Oura Ring for sleep and activity tracking—the exact one I wear to stay on top of my health metrics.

pacehospital.com

Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Alt text: Diary tracking arthritis symptoms, illustrating symptom monitoring as an effective way to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares over time.

Explore Natural Supplements for Joint Support

Supplements like turmeric or fish oil may reduce inflammation, backed by Harvard Health studies. I incorporate fish oil supplements daily for their omega-3 benefits.

Consider Red Light Therapy for Inflammation Reduction

Emerging as a non-invasive option, red light therapy can soothe joints. The red light therapy lamp I keep in my home setup offers targeted relief—dive deeper into benefits of red light therapy.

When to Seek Professional Help During a Flare

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor for adjusted treatments. Early intervention prevents long-term damage.

creakyjoints.org

Arthritis Flares: How to Manage and Prevent Them

Alt text: Doctor consulting patient on arthritis, emphasizing professional help in ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares when needed.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Flare Prevention

Build habits like consistent sleep and balanced routines. Our sleep better guide complements these efforts.

verywellhealth.com

What Are the 5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Alt text: Healthy lifestyle elements like diet and exercise, representing comprehensive ways to relieve psoriatic arthritis flares through daily habits.

Must-Read Books for Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

1. “Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative” by John O.A. Pagano – Holistic approaches to skin and joint health.
2. “The Keystone Approach: Healing Arthritis and Psoriasis by Restoring the Microbiome” by Rebecca Fett – Gut-focused strategies for relief.
3. “Psoriatic Arthritis: The Facts” by Dafna D. Gladman – Comprehensive symptom management.
4. “The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook” by Mickey Trescott – Lifestyle tips for chronic conditions.
5. “The Inflammation Spectrum” by Will Cole – Personalized anti-inflammatory plans.

Essentials for Your Psoriatic Arthritis Relief Toolkit

Here are seven must-have items to support your journey in relieving psoriatic arthritis flares:

• Massage Gun – For targeted muscle relief during stiff mornings.
• Red Light Therapy Lamp – Soothes inflammation at home.
• Essential Oils Set – Lavender for stress reduction.
• Vital Proteins Collagen – Boosts joint health in smoothies.
• Electric Heated Blanket – Warmth for aching joints.
• Oura Ring – Tracks sleep and activity.
• Smoothie Blender – For anti-inflammatory drinks.

P.S. Ready to take charge? Download our free perimenopause power checklist to track symptoms and build your email list for more wellness tips!

Related Posts

• Benefits of Red Light Therapy
• Stress Management Toolkit
• Nutrition Guide
• Mindfulness Guide
• Benefits of Cold Plunges

What You Will Learn

• Mindfulness meditation emphasizes awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings.
• Regular practice can significantly improve focus and concentration.
• Mindfulness meditation is distinct from other forms, focusing on present-moment awareness rather than concentration on a single point.
• Engaging in this practice can help reduce stress, anxiety, and enhance emotional resilience.
• It fosters a deeper connection with oneself and encourages healthier lifestyle choices.

We Want to Hear From You!

Have you tried mindfulness meditation before? If so, what benefits have you experienced? Share your thoughts below:

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Recap of Key Points

Here is a quick recap of the important points discussed in the article:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Focuses on present-moment awareness, noticing thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Key Aspects: Awareness, non-judgment, and engagement with the present are central to the practice.
• Unique Approach: Differentiates itself from other meditation forms by emphasizing a broader awareness rather than concentration.
• Transformative Benefits: Enhances focus, reduces stress, improves emotional resilience, and fosters connections.
• Action Steps: Set aside daily time, create a distraction-free space, use guided resources, and consider joining a mindfulness group.

If you wake up anxious these days, you’re not alone. Between the news cycle, global uncertainty, and the chaos of daily life, it can feel like the world is spinning faster than we can catch our breath.

I’ve been feeling more anxious than usual myself lately—partly because of everything happening in my own life, and partly because so much in the world feels beyond our control. And yet, even in times like these, it’s still possible to find a sense of calm—to create a small pocket of peace within yourself that isn’t so easily shaken by what’s happening outside.

That’s what psychotherapist, author, and mindfulness teacher Nancy Colier will help you explore in her upcoming online workshop, “How to Be Well in Unwell Times,” hosted by Omega Institute.

When I lived in New York, I always wanted to attend a program at Omega. It felt like a sanctuary from the noise—a place for people trying to live with more presence and less stress. I moved before I had the chance to go, but I’ve admired them ever since, and I feel so grateful to be partnering with them now to share events like this.

Omega has a long history of offering programs that don’t just inspire in the moment—they provide real tools you can use to grow and find balance in everyday life. Their workshops bring together wisdom, mindfulness, and compassion in a way that helps people feel calmer, clearer, and more connected to themselves.

In this 75-minute live online session, Nancy will guide participants through a mix of meditations, group reflection, and Q&A, all designed to help you:

• Reduce stress and care for yourself when the world feels chaotic

• Work with your thoughts instead of getting lost in them

• Let go of catastrophizing and come back to the present moment

• Use your body to stay grounded and steady

• Cultivate gratitude, even in dark or uncertain times

We can’t control everything happening around us, but we can learn to meet each moment with presence, compassion, and resilience.

If you’ve been longing for a pause, a reset, or simply a reminder that peace is still possible, this workshop offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with yourself and rediscover your inner steadiness.

How to Be Well in Unwell Times
Date: October 29, 2025, 6:00–7:15 PM ET 
Tuition: Sliding scale $30–$50 (Member price: $35)
Replay: Available through December 28

Learn more and register here.

I haven’t checked my net worth for four months until recently. That wasn’t on purpose, because normally, since 2012, I check at least three times a week using Empower’s free app. The only reason I stopped was because I could no longer log in.

One day, I was suddenly locked out of the app. I tried to log in on my laptop instead. Same result. My password, which I hadn’t changed, no longer worked. No big deal, I thought. I’d just reset it. Except every time I went through the reset process, I’d get an email confirming the change, then immediately get a warning that the new password didn’t work and that I’d be locked out for 24 hours after two more attempts. After five rounds of this circus over a month, I gave up.

Although I appreciated the seriousness of Empower’s security, I was frustrated. Life was busy. Summer rolled around. I took the family to Honolulu for five weeks. Once school started for my kids on August 27, I finally decided it was time to call the helpline (1-877-216-4014, for anyone who finds themselves in my shoes).

After a 7-minute call, I was back in action. The support rep explained that Empower had migrated dashboards to a new system, and some accounts like mine got stuck in a loop. All I had to do was unregister, then re-register with my existing Social Security number and zip code, and voilà—I was back in with all my existing linked accounts.

Didn’t Have A Great Urge To Check My Net Worth

What surprised me most wasn’t that it took four months to fix. It was that I didn’t feel a strong urge to fix it right away. If I really wanted to, I could have called the helpline immediately.

It’s not like my net worth was going to vanish just because I wasn’t looking at it. I knew the rough numbers in my head already—my equity exposure, my bond allocation, my real estate value, and so forth. Plus, when the market was tanking in April 2025, I wasn’t itching to see the damage anyway. Sometimes, not looking is the best way to stay calm.

It reminded me of social media: the less time you spend scrolling X, Instagram, or Facebook, the happier you tend to be. Checking your net worth too often can be the same type of mental junk food, so I experimented with staying away. Unless you receive a significant financial windfall, your net worth isn’t changing much from day to day.

That said, the four-plus months off taught me something valuable. There are real benefits to not regularly checking your net worth.

The Five Benefits Of Not Checking Your Net Worth Regularly

Here are five that stood out most.

1. Lower Stress And Anxiety

When markets are down, staring at your net worth daily is like poking at a bruise, it only makes the pain worse.

In March and April, the S&P 500 dropped sharply, and bonds weren’t helping much either. Had I been logging in every morning, I would have watched hundreds of thousands in paper losses pile up. Instead, by not logging in, I avoided the day-to-day sting.

It’s like weighing yourself every day when you’re trying to lose weight. If you fluctuate up and down, it’s demoralizing. But if you only check once a month, you’re more likely to see the real trend and less likely to quit.

Not checking your net worth regularly protects your mental health. You still know roughly where you stand, but you aren’t constantly reminding yourself of volatility you can’t control.

2. More Focus On What Actually Matters

When I wasn’t checking my net worth, I noticed my energy went elsewhere: my kids, my writing, my time in Honolulu visiting my parents. Instead of being distracted by a green or red number on a screen, I was more present. Of course, I still had the urge to check my investment accounts individually from time to time.

Every time you check your finances, you use up some of your limited daily attention. If you check three times a week like I usually do, that’s over 150 mental interruptions a year. Multiply that by decades, and you realize how much headspace you’ve given up.

By not checking, I was forced to focus on what I could control: working on new articles, being with family, and staying healthy. In the end, isn’t that why we’re building wealth in the first place?

3. Helps Break Your Money Addiction

Let’s be frank, tracking net worth can feel addictive. The little dopamine hit from seeing your portfolio go up is real. It’s why some of us like to gamble. But like all addictions, there’s a cost.

When your mood is tied too closely to whether the market is up or down, you’ve given away control of your happiness. That’s dangerous. Unfortunately, I’m always moodier when the stock market is correcting because I’m in charge of the family’s finances. When the finances are going backwards, I can’t help feel like a failure for not better safeguarding our main source of freedom.

By taking four months off, I broke that cycle. I rediscovered that I could go weeks without knowing my “score,” and life went on just fine. My relationships didn’t suffer. My cash flow didn’t dry up. The world didn’t end.

4. Prevents Knee-Jerk Reactions That Could Lose You Money

One of the biggest dangers of constantly checking your finances is the temptation to unnecessarily tinker. You see your portfolio drop and suddenly you want to sell (or buy the dip). You see a hot IPO go up 333% on the first day, and due to intense FOMO, you want to buy at the top.

As the old saying goes, “Time in the market is more powerful than timing the market.” The less you check your net worth and investment portfolios, the less temptation you will have to trade.

This type of overactivity often leads to worse long-term returns. The best investors are usually the ones who set up an allocation and then largely leave it alone.

By not regularly looking for four months, I gave myself a natural “cooling off” period. I wasn’t tempted to make drastic investment decisions. My portfolio allocation stayed largely intact, which is exactly how compounding works best.

Think of it like a farmer. If you dig up your seeds every week to check on them, they’ll never grow. Sometimes, the best move is to leave things buried and let nature do its thing.

5. A Chance To Test Financial Independence

The ultimate goal of financial independence is to not worry about money all the time. You want to money money in the background so you can spend time doing the things you really enjoy. If you need to track your net worth daily just to feel secure, you’re not truly free.

During my four-month break, I got an unfamiliar preview of what it feels like to live without constantly measuring. My bills were still paid. My investments still grew (or shrank). Life speed kept accelerating. Our money was taking care of our family, as intended. The less time I spent managing our money, the more rewarding the money felt.

If you want to know whether you’re really financially secure, try not checking your net worth for at least a quarter. If you find yourself panicking, you may be too dependent on external validation. But if you find yourself relaxed, you’re probably in good shape.

This test is powerful. It shows you whether you’ve built a fortress solid enough that you can step away without fear. That’s real independence.

Striking A Balance When Tracking Your Wealth

When you finally check your net worth months later, you might be pleasantly surprised to see a bigger jump in wealth than you expected. It’s like seeing other people’s kids after summer break. Their growth feels dramatic because you weren’t watching them inch taller every day. Parents, on the other hand, often hardly notice the change.

After four months away, I’m back to tracking my net worth closely. Old habits die hard, and I still believe there’s value in keeping an eye on things, especially for someone like me, who writes about personal finance for a living.

I was happy to finally update the amounts in three private venture capital funds, which had $60,000 worth of capital calls during these four months. I also logged the additional $100,000 I invested in the Fundrise Innovation Fund this year. Private funds are manually tracked in the Empower dashboard.

This time off taught me that balance is key. For most people, checking once or twice a month is ideal. It keeps you informed without letting the numbers dominate your mood.

Personally, I’m aiming to scale back from three times a week to just once a week. One practical trick? Move the Empower app off your home screen and bury it on page three or four of your phone so you’re not tempted to tap it out of habit.

Don’t Let Your Net Worth Control You

If you’re in debt or working toward a savings milestone, you might check more frequently for motivation. If you’re already retired or financially independent, you can afford to check less. The important thing is making sure you control the numbers, not the other way around.

I never planned on taking a four-month break from checking my net worth. But thanks to a stubborn login issue plus my own disinterest, I got the unexpected chance to experience life without my usual financial dashboard. And you know what? It was liberating.

If you’re someone who refreshes your portfolio daily, try taking a step back. Go a week, a month, or even four months without looking.

You may find, like I did, that the less you check, the more you actually enjoy your wealth.

Readers, how often do you check your net worth? Do you believe there’s a strong correlation between frequency and results? After all, people who are obsessed with something often end up getting better at it.

Get A Free Financial Analysis Offer From Empower

If you have over $100,000 in investable assets—whether in savings, taxable accounts, 401(k)s, or IRAs—you can get a free financial check-up from an Empower financial professional by signing up here. It’s a no-obligation way to have a seasoned expert, who builds and analyzes portfolios for a living, review your finances. 

A fresh set of eyes could uncover hidden fees, inefficient allocations, or opportunities to optimize—giving you greater clarity and confidence in your financial plan.

The statement is provided to you by Financial Samurai (“Promoter”) who has entered into a written referral agreement with Empower Advisory Group, LLC (“EAG”). Click here to learn more.

Subscribe To Financial Samurai 

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Mental health is an important topic of conversation these days—and rightly so. Mental health diagnoses in the U.S. increased by nearly 40% between 2019 and 2023.

It’s probably true that more attention to the topic in years past would have helped many. But we can’t change the past—we can only choose how to move forward. And I’m glad to see mental health becoming a greater priority in our lives and conversations.

Because it matters. It affects how we think, how we feel, how we relate to others, and how we live our lives. And for many of us, life can feel like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water—managing stress, overwhelm, discouragement, or burnout.

I’ve written previously about the mental health benefits of minimalism. And I’m certainly not the only one highlighting the connection. Researchers and psychologists are increasingly pointing to the correlation between clutter and anxiety, between too many choices and decision fatigue, between too much stuff and stress.

• There are studies showing that clutter increases stress levels.
• Clutter limits our ability to focus.
• Clutter affects our sleep.
• Clutter lowers our mood and raises our cortisol.
• Clutter can even lead to unhealthy eating, poor habits, and more conflict in the home.

The data is clear: Too many physical possessions in our homes and lives negatively impacts our mental and emotional well-being.

But what’s often missing from the conversation is why. Why does owning fewer possessions lead to a clearer mind? How exactly does minimalism improve our mental health?

I’d like to explain why—and do it in a way especially for anyone who might be skeptical.

Minimalism will improve your mental health. And here’s why:

1. Minimalism helps us feel in control again.

Minimalism allows us to take back control. And I don’t just mean that we take control of our physical surroundings by removing the clutter. Minimalism forces us to live a more intentional life.

It helps us live a life that is not just drifting with the masses, society, or influenced by other voices. Minimalism requires us to take control of our resources, our passions, our attitudes, our worldview, and our choices.

When we start living life intentionally focused on what’s important to us, we find more pride and joy in it.

2. Minimalism helps us focus on what matters most.

When we stop chasing physical possessions, we start asking better questions. Starting with: What do I really value? What do I want my days to be about? What is important to me?

Minimalism forces questions of values upon us. And those questions help us get more clear on what matters and what doesn’t, how we want to live our life and how we don’t.

But even more than that, minimalism removes the distractions so we can begin actually pursuing those values—purpose, contribution, meaning.

And when our lives align with our values, when we start living for something bigger than ourselves, our view of ourselves begins to change too. We begin to see that we’re both capable and actively living lives that matter.

3. Minimalism creates space—both around us and within us.

Minimalism clears clutter and creates space. In our homes and in our minds. And both are important.

Every physical possession carries weight and takes up space—both physical and mental. We can see the physical—every object on a shelf or box in the garage makes our living space smaller.

The mental space our possessions require is harder to see and measure which makes it even more dangerous. Most of us have no idea how great a mental burden our possessions have become until we begin to remove them. Every pile, every mess, every undone task is a subtle reminder of what still needs to be handled and serves as a visual reminder of money and time wasted.

But when we clear the clutter, something shifts. The house feels lighter, and so do we.

4. Minimalism leads to generosity.

One of the most life-changing shifts that happens when we start owning less is this: we find the margin to give more.

We stop thinking about what we lack and start noticing what we have. And when we see our excess more clearly, we naturally want to share it—with people we love, with those in need, with causes that matter.

And here’s what’s beautiful about generosity: it’s not just good for others, it’s good for us. Studies consistently show that generous people experience lower levels of stress, stronger relationships, and more overall life satisfaction. Minimalism opens the door to that kind of life—which is another reason it helps improve our mental health.

5. Minimalism helps us focus on people.

When we’re constantly managing stuff, it’s hard to make room for connection. Our time is spent cleaning, organizing, shopping, and maintaining. Some studies estimate we spend two hours each day managing our possessions.

So when we remove that excess, we make space for people. And relationships are one of the greatest protectors of mental health. In fact, according to the longest running study on human happiness (85 years and counting), “The most consistent finding we’ve learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer.”

We were created for community. Minimalism helps us find it.

6. Minimalism reduces fatigue.

We don’t always notice how much energy our possessions demand from us—until they’re gone.

Every item in our home requires attention. It must be cleaned, maintained, organized, repaired, stored, moved, and eventually removed. And when we’re surrounded by too much, we start to feel it—in our minds and in our bodies.

But minimalism doesn’t just alleviate physical fatigue, it alleviates decision fatigue too.

A simple home leads to a simpler day with fewer unimportant decisions to make—which means we are able to make better decisions on things that matter—and better decisions make for better living.

7. Minimalism quiets comparison.

One of the most damaging habits to our mental health is constant comparison. Social media, advertising, even our neighbors’ driveways can subtly whisper, You’re not measuring up.

But minimalism invites a different message: You already have enough.

When we stop chasing what others have, we begin to see the beauty of our own lives more clearly. Gratitude replaces envy. Peace replaces anxiety. Calm replaces turmoil.

And we begin to feel comfortable in our own skin again.

The mental health benefits of minimalism are real—and they’re available to all of us. The most beautiful thing about the list of mental health benefits above is that any of us can begin to experience them right away.

Not because life becomes perfect. But because minimalism prepares for them.

Minimalism won’t solve every problem, but it will give us the space to breathe, the clarity to focus, and the freedom to build something better.

One step at a time. One drawer, one room at a time. One day at a time.

The researchers were not able to determine why eating more fruits and veggies enhances mood, but Radavelli-Bagatini suggests their high nutrient count likely plays a role. “Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental wellbeing,” she said. 

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Leonardo da Vinci

“The aspects of things that are most important for us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein

I love simplifying my life. It makes me more effective and life less stressful. It makes me calmer and happier. And it simply makes life easier.

But where do you start? Or continue if you are already on your way?

In this week’s article I’d like to share 23 small habits that help me to live a simpler life.

Pick one of these to get started and keep doing it until it sticks and becomes just another normal part of your life.

1. Breathe.

When stressed, lost in a problem (or a mistake) or the past or future in your mind breathe with your belly for two minutes and just focus on the air going in and out.

These deep breaths will calm your body down and bring your mind back into the present moment again.

2. Do one thing at a time.

You’ll get better results and feel better and less stressed while doing those things.

3. Write it all down.

Use your mind for better things than remembering what to do. And the mind is often like a leaky bucket.

So write down all your great ideas, insights and thoughts before they go missing somewhere and add what you need to do to a to-do list.

4. Do all your food shopping once a week.

You’ll save time, energy and – in my experience – money.

5. Stop trying to do things perfectly. 

It will only get you stuck and drain your self-esteem.

Go for good enough instead and when you are there you are done. Get things all the way to done this way and then move on to the next thing.

6. Stop doing what you don’t like doing anymore.

Life changes and so do you.

If you don’t like doing something anymore then stop doing that (even if it may take some time before you can do so by for example switching jobs).

7. Pack your bag before you go to bed.

Then you don’t have to get stressed out by that in morning and you are less likely to forget something.

8. Throw out the things you haven’t used in 1 year.

Go through what you have and ask yourself if you have used it in the past year. If not, give it away to charity or a friend or simply throw it out. Less stuff tends to make life simpler.

9. Ask yourself simplifying questions every day.

Questions like:

• What is the most important thing I can do right now?
• What is one small step I can take to simplify this situation?

10. Keep everything in its place.

If everything has its own place then it is whole lot easier to keep your home reasonably ordered and decluttered from day to day.

This also helps you with your inner stillness as the outer environment affects how you feel on the inside.

11. Cook more food than you’ll eat. 

We usually make four or more servings of what we’re about to eat. This cuts down on time that you spend on cooking and you’ll have to do less washing up in general.

Plus, it’s good to have portions of food to bring to work to save some money.

12. Write shorter emails.

I tend to write emails containing only a few sentences, usually between one and five. If you focus on keeping it short and focused then you’ll probably discover that this is a good solution in most cases.

13. Ask instead of guessing.

Reading minds is hard. So, instead ask questions and communicate.

This will help you to minimize unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, negativity and waste of time and energy.

14. Use a minimalistic workspace.

My workspace contains a big monitor and a small computer on an adjustable standing desk. I use a comfy chair and there is room for my glass of water beside the computer.

That’s it. There are no distractions here. Just me, the computer and the water.

15. Check everything just once a day.

I check my email inboxes, blog statistics, my online earnings, Twitter and Facebook just once a day.

I combine all that checking into one small daily ritual at the end of my workday so I don’t slip and go checking it more during the day and waste my energy and attention.

16. Choose small daily acts of kindness.

Instead of small acts of judgment and criticism towards the people around you (and towards yourself).

17. Stop trying to please everyone.

There will always be people who you don’t get along with or that do not like you for some reason.

18. Don’t make mountains out of molehills.

Before you start thinking too much about something and building it up something big in your head, ask yourself:

Am I making a mountain out of a molehill here?

And if you get lost in victim thinking then ask yourself:

Does anyone on the planet have it worse than me right now?

19. Spend 10-15 minutes each Sunday or Monday morning to plan out the week.

Write down your plans for the week, organize your prioritized to-do list and get ready for the week before you are in the middle of it all.

This will help you to find more clarity, get more of the most important things done next week and minimize stress.

20. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions.

I’m sure that you, just like me, have subscriptions to newsletters, various accounts on social media and streaming services that you rarely get around to watching or reading anyway.

Cancel them to declutter your inbox and social media flows. Plus, perhaps save some money.

21. Spend more time with the people that help you to keep things simple.

And spend less time with – or move forward and away from – the people that drag you down into overcomplicating everything and creating unnecessary drama. Healthy relationships or unhealthy ones will have a big effect on your so choose carefully.

22. Say no more often.

If your life feels overwhelming then you may have to start saying no more often.

To other people. And to yourself too.

To carve out more time and space for you to recharge and for family life, your health and the hobbies that mean the most to you and your well being.

23. Put a limit on those digital distractions.

Put your phone in another room when hanging out with family or friends, when working or when watching the TV.

Keeping the phone out of reach is the simplest and most effective habit I’ve found to reduce my screen time, my stress levels and negative thoughts and to free up more time in my week.

On the average day happiness is letting go of what you assume life is supposed to be like, and sincerely appreciating it for everything it is.

Over the past fifteen years, as Angel and I have gradually worked with hundreds of our course students, coaching clients, and live event attendees, we’ve come to understand that the root cause of most human stress is simply our stubborn propensity to hold on to things. In a nutshell, we hold on tight to the hope that things will go exactly as we imagine, and then we complicate our lives to no end when they don’t.

For example, there are a number of times when our minds cling to unhelpful ideals…

• Life isn’t suppose to be this way, I need it to be different
• There is only one thing I want, I can’t be happy without it
• I am absolutely right, the other person is absolutely wrong
• This person should love me, and want to be with me
• I should not be alone, should not be overweight, should not be exactly how I am right now, etc.

In all of these common examples the mind holds on tight to something—an ideal—that isn’t real. And after awhile the inevitable happens—lots of unnecessary stress, anxiety, unhappiness, self-righteousness, self-hate, and depressive emotions ensue.

So how can we stop holding on so tight?

By realizing that there’s almost nothing to hold on to in the first place.

Most of the things we desperately try to hold on to, as if they’re real, certain, solid, everlasting fixtures in our lives, aren’t really there. Or if they are there in some form, they’re changing, fluid, impermanent, or at least partially imagined in our minds. Life gets a lot easier to deal with when we remind ourselves of this and live accordingly.

Today, let’s start practicing…

1. Practice letting everything breathe.

As you read these words, you are breathing. Stop for a moment and notice this breath. You can control this breath, and make it faster or slower, or make it behave as you like. Or you can simply let yourself inhale and exhale naturally. There is peace in just letting your lungs breathe, without having to control the situation or do anything about it. Now imagine letting other parts of your body breathe, like your tense shoulders. Just let them be, without having to tense them or control them.

Now look around the room you’re in and notice the objects around you. Pick one, and let it breathe. There are likely people in the room with you too, or in the same house or building, or in nearby houses or buildings. Visualize them in your mind, and let them breathe.

When you let everything and everyone breathe, you just let them be, exactly as they are. You don’t need to control them, worry about them, or change them. You just let them breathe, in peace, and you accept them as they are. This is what letting go is all about. It can be a life-changing practice.

2. Practice accepting your present reality, and just floating.

Imagine you’re blindfolded and treading water in the center of a large swimming pool, and you’re struggling desperately to grab the edge of the pool that you think is nearby, but really it’s not—it’s far away. Trying to grab that imaginary edge is stressing you out, and tiring you out, as you splash around aimlessly trying to holding on to something that isn’t there.

Now imagine you pause, take a deep breath, and realize that there’s nothing nearby to hold on to. Just water around you. You can continue to struggle with grabbing at something that doesn’t exist… or you can accept that there’s only water around you, and relax, and float.

Truth be told, inner peace begins the moment you take a new breath and choose not to allow an uncontrollable event to dominate you in the present. You are not what happened to you. You are what you choose to become in this moment. Let go, breathe, and begin again. (Note: Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the Adversity chapter of “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently”.)

3. Practice challenging the stories you keep telling yourself.

Many of the biggest misunderstandings in life could be avoided if we simply took the time to ask, “What else could this mean?” A wonderful way to do this is by using a reframing tool we initially picked up from research professor Brene Brown, which we then tailored through our coaching work with students and live event attendees. We call the tool The story I’m telling myself. Although asking the question itself—“What else could this mean?”—can help reframe our thoughts and broaden our perspectives, using the simple phrase The story I’m telling myself as a prefix to troubling thoughts has undoubtedly created many “aha moments” for our students and clients in recent times.

Here’s how it works: The story I’m telling myself can be applied to any difficult life situation or circumstance in which a troubling thought is getting the best of you. For example, perhaps someone you love (husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.) didn’t call you or text you when they said they would, and now an hour has passed and you’re feeling upset because you’re obviously not a high enough priority to them. When you catch yourself feeling this way, use the phrase: The story I’m telling myself is that they didn’t call me because I’m not a high enough priority to them.

Then ask yourself these questions:

• Can I be absolutely certain this story is true?
• How do I feel and behave when I tell myself this story?
• What’s one other possibility that might also make the ending to this story true?

Give yourself the space to think it all through carefully.

Challenge yourself to think better on a daily basis—to challenge the stories you subconsciously tell yourself and do a reality check with a more objective mindset. (Note: “The Good Morning Journal” is a great tool for daily reality checks and perspective shifts.)

4. Practice putting the figurative glass down.

Twenty years ago, when Angel and I were just undergrads in college, our psychology professor taught us a lesson we’ve never forgotten. On the last day of class before graduation, she walked up on stage to teach one final lesson, which she called “a vital lesson on the power of perspective and mindset.” As she raised a glass of water over her head, everyone expected her to mention the typical “glass half empty or glass half full” metaphor. Instead, with a smile on her face, our professor asked, “How heavy is this glass of water I’m holding?”

Students shouted out answers ranging from a couple of ounces to a couple of pounds.

After a few moments of fielding answers and nodding her head, she replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass is irrelevant. It all depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s fairly light. If I hold it for an hour straight, its weight might make my arm ache. If I hold it for a day straight, my arm will likely cramp up and feel completely numb and paralyzed, forcing me to drop the glass to the floor. In each case, the absolute weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it feels to me.”

As most of us students nodded our heads in agreement, she continued. “Your worries, frustrations, disappointments, and stressful thoughts are very much like this glass of water. Think about them for a little while and nothing drastic happens. Think about them a bit longer and you begin to feel noticeable pain. Think about them all day long, and you will feel completely numb and paralyzed, incapable of doing anything else until you drop them.”

Think about how this relates to your life right now.

If you’ve been struggling to cope with the weight of what’s on your mind today, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to put the figurative glass down…

Let go to renew faith in yourself.

A big part of practicing letting go is gradually renewing your own faith in yourself. This “renewed faith” means finding the willingness to live with uncertainty, to feel your way through each day, to let your intuition guide you like a flashlight in the dark. It’s about standing firmly on your own two legs in the present, without the crutches you’ve been holding on to, and gradually taking small steps forward.

You are strong enough to take those steps!

You’ve got this!

So what if, for today, you choose to believe that you have enough and you are enough in each and every moment? What if, for today, you choose to believe that you are strong enough to move forward one step at a time? What if, for today, you choose to accept people exactly as they are, and life exactly as it is? What if, as the sun sets on today, you choose to let go and celebrate your daily progress? And what if, tomorrow, you choose to do it all over again?

Practice making those choices…

Practice letting go and renewing the faith you once had in both yourself and the world around you.

Now it’s your turn!

But before you go, please leave Angel and me a comment below and let us know what you think of this essay. Your feedback is important to us.

How has holding on too tight affected your life?

Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.

“Then followed that beautiful season… Summer… Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
Sydney J. Harris

The summer is here.

And for many of us it’s a time of vacations, a time of being free from school or a slow time at work or in your business.

So it’s a good time to focus on taking extra good care of yourself to unwind, decompress and to recharge.

And that’s exactly what this week’s article is all about. Let me share 6 of my favorite tips that I’ll be using this summer.

1. Just watch the clouds go by.

During the months of continuous intense work it’s easy to get trapped in the mindset that you have to do something pretty much all the time.

This can add a lot of tensions and stress.

So try doing nothing at all from time to time this summer.

Just go for a walk in the woods. Sit by the lake and take in the wonderful landscape.

Or lie down in the grass and just watch the clouds go by.

Do only that, savor the moments of summer and feel how the inner tensions flow out of your body and mind.

2. Disconnect for a time.

I’ll be disconnected for much of this summer. I won’t go online unless it’s necessary.

I’ll only check my emails once a day. And I’ll leave my smartphone at home while I’m out in the sun enjoying a book.

I recommend trying this one out, especially if you tend to spend a lot of time at work or in school with being online or talking on the phone.

Start by just staying away from your email and phone for maybe 6 or 12 hours. Then check them.

You may see that you haven’t missed much by not being available all the time.

And discover that your stress levels have dropped quite a bit and it feels easier to fully focus on your family, friends or your hobby.

3. Appreciate what you did between New Year’s Eve and the start of this summer.

Half of 2025 has now gone by.

And there might have been some worries.

Perhaps you were angry with yourself more than a few times during these 6 months. Or disappointed in what you did, didn’t do or what happened in your life.

When the stress and inner tensions are plentiful then it’s easy to get stuck in focusing on what went wrong or on your own setbacks or mistakes.

So take a break from that.

Ask yourself: What can I appreciate about what I did and I accomplished during these 6 months?

It doesn’t always have to be big things. And be sure to appreciate what you did, the effort you put in even if things didn’t go exactly as planned.

4. Go slow.

This will also dial your stress down.

And, perhaps even more importantly, help you to be in the moment and to fully enjoy all the sights, sounds, smells and people of your summer.

Instead of being half-lost in the future or in a memory while life and perhaps something really wonderful is happening right in front of you.

5. Say no to the shoulds of summer.

There are sneaky shoulds in life. They can make a vacation filled with things you “just have to do before the summer is over” seem like draining work.

And they’ll leave you more tired than you were before your time off even started.

Avoid them by asking yourself:

Will this matter in 5 years? Or even 5 weeks?

Zooming out like this makes it easier to find a healthier perspective on things and to see the real value of doing something.

It makes it easier to simply relax and to say no to doing something because you realize that it frankly isn’t that important anyway.

6. Spend more time doing what you love.

Maybe it’s fishing. Or going out into the woods and picking berries, flowers and mushrooms. Or painting. Or reading books.

Or playing with your kids or hanging out with an old friend.

No matter what it might be, think about how you can fit more what you love doing into not only your summer but the rest of your 2025.

Take a couple of minutes and sit down with a pen and a piece of paper. Think about what you spend your time on during a normal week.

Then find 1-2 things during your regular weeks that you can spend less time on.

Or things you can simply say no to so that you have a bit more time and energy over each week during the summer, fall and winter for what you love doing.