Recently, former Miss Universe Philippines and television host Rabiya Mateo shared how challenging the past year has been for her mental health, stating, “Every day was a struggle to survive.”
In a Facebook post shared earlier this week, Rabiya revealed that she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder with anxious distress in 2025. She stepped back from work and social media, choosing distance over visibility to focus on her mental health. At one point, she said, she even considered disappearing from online life altogether, hoping to find a sense of peace away from the constant noise.
Her experience underscores an ongoing dialogue about how people notice and manage stress before it becomes harmful. It also serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness matter, especially to someone who is struggling. You never really know what another person is carrying.
Health experts say the goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely—which is unrealistic—but to notice it early and respond before it becomes overwhelming. According to the Mayo Clinic, managing stress doesn’t require dramatic life changes. Small, consistent habits practiced over time can make a meaningful difference. Here are 10 approaches shared by the Mayo Clinic that can help ease stress and pressure.
Move your body
Movement is often one of the simplest places to start. Exercise releases endorphins—chemicals in the brain that help lift mood. This doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. A short walk, stretching at home, or even doing household chores can give the mind a break and ease physical tension.
Eat well
What you consume is important as well. Having balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps maintain consistent energy and mood levels throughout the day. Consuming excessive caffeine, alcohol, or highly processed foods can increase stress and disturb sleep, leading to a difficult-to-break cycle.
Pause, breathe
When stress accumulates rapidly, taking slow, deep breaths can help restore balance to the body. Practicing deep, consistent breathing for just a few minutes can reduce heart rate and soothe anxious thoughts.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness practices—including short moments of meditation or simply paying attention while walking or commuting—can also help quiet repetitive worries.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is very important for handling stress. Stress can disrupt sleep, but not getting enough sleep makes it more difficult to deal with stress. Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen exposure before bedtime, and setting up a peaceful, dark bedroom can aid the body’s recovery.
Stay connected
Connection is another protective factor. Talking with friends or family, whether in person or online, reminds people they are not alone.
Laugh and be creative
Laughter helps, too. Creative outlets—music, writing, drawing, or any hobby that brings joy—give the mind room to breathe.
Learn how to say ‘no’
Setting boundaries is just as important. Knowing how to say no, asking for assistance, and understanding your own limits can stop stress from accumulating unnoticed.
Write, write, write
Engaging in the act of writing, whether through journaling or concise note-taking, can serve as a valuable tool for clarifying thoughts and untangling mental processes.
Ask for help when needed
When stress starts affecting everyday activities like work, relationships, or health, reaching out for professional help shows awareness, not weakness. Counselors and therapists can assist in recognizing patterns and provide coping strategies that are customized for each person.
