Stress is not a Badge of Honor

Stress Is Not a Badge of Honor: How to Take It Off and Take Back Your Life

When was the last time you said, “I’m so busy,” like it was an achievement? When I was younger, with kids at home, if I wasn’t super busy, I felt like a failure.  And I paid the price, over and over. For many of us, being constantly stressed has become a strange source of pride, as if juggling a hundred things proves our worth. But stress isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign. And wearing it every day could be costing you your health, your happiness, and your peace of mind. BELIEVE ME!

Why We Wear the Stress Badge

Society has taught us that doing more equals being more valuable. If we’re not multitasking, rushing, or saying yes to everything, we feel guilty, like we’re falling behind. I remember when my kids were young, the busier I was taking them here and there, not to mention all the volunteer work I said “yes” to, the more accomplished I thought I was.  I could handle it, right?   This “always on” mentality wasn’t sustainable. It left me exhausted, irritable, and disconnected from the things that truly mattered. And for women in midlife, the cost is even higher. Chronic stress spikes cortisol, making weight loss harder, getting good sleep, and making perimenopause symptoms worse.

Let’s Get that Badge Off

It starts with awareness. Ask yourself:

               Do you feel fatigued most days?

               Do small things set off your irritation?

               Do you constantly feel like you’re racing the clock? 

              How do you react to all the traffic? Five Forks? I-85, anyone?

If so, it’s time for a reset. Here are a few tips to shift from survival mode to a more intentional, balanced way of living:

1. Start saying “no” without guilt. Every “yes” to someone else is a “no” to yourself.  This is not easy at first, but I promise it gets easier.

2. Schedule white space in your calendar. Time to breathe, think, and recharge is just as important as meetings and errands. Don’t knock a 20-minute cat nap.

3. Add stress-reducing habits to your day. Deep breathing, a short walk, or a few minutes of mindfulness can calm your nervous system. A 10-minute walk after a meal or meeting does wonders for me.

In my Menopause Programs, I teach three core pillars of self-care: Self-Prioritization, Self-Advocacy, and Social Connections. These pillars help women stop living in overdrive and start creating a life that feels balanced and empowering.

Empowerment: Redefining Success

You don’t need to prove your worth through exhaustion. The real measure of success is how well you protect your energy, your health, and your happiness. Setting boundaries and permitting yourself to rest is not a weakness; it’s a strength. When you prioritize yourself, advocate for your needs, and build supportive connections, everything else in life becomes easier.

Ready to Take Off the Stress Badge?

If you’re tired of running on empty and ready for a different way of living, let’s talk. On a quick call, I’ll show you how my three pillars—Self-Prioritization, Self-Advocacy, and Social Connections—can help you stress less and thrive in midlife and beyond.

Simply send me an email Bpdahliacoach@gmail.com to take the first step toward balance, energy, and freedom.

Best,

Bonnie

PS. What’s one way you can take off the stress badge this week? I’d love to hear from you!