Grandma Wisdom* Speaks to Us on Stress

Dear Grandma Wisdom,

I'm really stressed. There are so many things pulling at me that I can't even think. How am I supposed to make good decisions under all this pressure?

signed,

One Stressed Single Mom

Dear One Stressed Single Mom,

When everything is pulling at you at once, the first thing to know is this: the pressure you feel is not a personal failure—it’s a sign that you care deeply and you’re carrying a lot.

When your mind feels crowded and the stress starts rising up in your chest, it’s almost impossible to make “good” decisions in the way people talk about them. So let me gently reframe that for you. In seasons like this, your job isn’t to make perfect decisions. Your job is to make sound enough decisions—the ones that keep you and your child safe, fed, and emotionally intact.

Pause—just for a moment—and breathe deep. Put one hand on your heart and one on the counter or the table and remind yourself, “The Lord is right here with me.” Scripture tells us, “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” You don’t have to carry it all alone, no matter how much it feels like you do.

Then remember: clarity does not come from thinking harder. It comes from resting your mind, even briefly. A quiet cup of tea, a slow breath, a walk around the block, 5 minutes alone in the bathroom to pray with the little ones in a safe spot are not indulgences. They are tools. A calmer you makes steadier choices.

Pressure makes everything feel urgent, but not everything actually is. When you’re overwhelmed, try this: pause and ask, What needs attention today, not forever? Shrinking the timeline gives your nervous system room to breathe. You don’t have to solve your whole life, you just have to choose the next right step.

And sweetheart, don’t be afraid to ask for help. God often answers our prayers through other people: a neighbor, a church friend, a family member. Pride will wear you out faster than hard work ever will. Let someone bring a meal, watch the kids for an hour, or just listen. Stress shrinks when it’s shared. Talk to someone you trust. Say the worries out loud. Talk to God. Problems tend to lose some of their power once they’re named.

When the crisis is over, try shifting from reaction to routine. Decide ahead of time what you’ll do when you feel overwhelmed, so you’re not making choices in the middle of exhaustion. Please hear this clearly: strong women still get overwhelmed. Good mothers still doubt themselves. You are not failing because you feel stretched—you are human. You’re not meant to have all the answers. You’re meant to keep going; put one foot in front of the other.

with much love,

Grandma Wisdom*

_____

*"Grandma Wisdom" is a fictional character representing collective advice and wisdom.

For immediate help in mental health crisis, dial 9-8-8.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, private support. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to talk or is thinking about hurting himself can get help. The Lifeline is available to everyone—you can call for yourself or a loved one who may need crisis support.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Officer. They have special training.