Unstress

Resource library

Books and resources I’ve found useful for understanding stress and exploring everyday practices.

I’ve found something useful in each of these resources, though I don’t agree with every view in them. Pick what suits you. They aren’t a substitute for professional care.

Understanding stress & burnout

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers — Robert Sapolsky

A clear, humane explanation of what stress does in the body, and why chronic stress is different from acute stress.

Self-Compassion — Kristin Neff

An introduction to self-compassion, with reflections and exercises.

HjerneRo — Martin Riis Kastrup & Mads Hyldig

Four tools for working with persistent thoughts, written by Danish psychologists. In Danish.

Danish

Sleep & recovery

NHS — Every Mind Matters: sleep

Free information and everyday suggestions about sleep from the NHS.

Apps & tools I find helpful

Brain.fm — focus & calm music

Music I use when I want to focus or unwind.

Where to next?

Check in

Stress checkReflect on the major life changes of the last year.Daily check-inLog the day, look back, set reminders.TrendsSee the pattern across your check-ins.

Toolkit

ToolkitFind what helps, based on what’s going on right now.MapSee what you’re carrying, and what each thing needs.

Relief

BreatheA paced breathing exercise to settle down.GroundingCome back to the present with your senses.

Everyday

GratitudeNotice a few good things, daily.Thinking timePark worries for one set time a day.One thing at a timeSettle, name one problem, choose, and take one step.DirectionReconnect with what you want, one small step at a time.HabitsSmall everyday swaps that ease stress.Sleep resetA short wind-down for tonight.

Learn

ArticlesLonger reads about stress, in plain words.

About

AboutWhy I built this, and how to support it.

If you feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else, or if you feel unable to stay safe, contact emergency services or a local crisis line immediately.

In an immediate emergency — if you or someone else is in danger — call your local emergency number now (112 in the EU, 911 in the US, 999 in the UK).