How to Handle Stressful Times with Writing Yoga®

How to SWiM Through Stressful Times with Writing Yoga®

#breath #breathe #calm #creativity #inspiration for teachers #journalwriting #mindfulness #sitwritemove #writingprompt #writingyoga May 11, 2026

If you manage a school, an office, or even your own home, you are likely to get overwhelmed during stressful points of the year. You don't have time to unplug, relax, and reflect in your garden. Or do you?

What if you could find a way to move through these chaotic times with more ease? That’s where Writing Yoga® and the SWiM method (Sit, Write, and Move) come in. Think of it as your stress survival kit: no assembly required, batteries not included, and guaranteed to help you stay sane.

Here’s how it works:

Sit: Take a Minute

When was the last time you just sat still for five minutes? And no, scrolling through social media doesn’t count. The "Sit" part of SWiM is all about finding a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of schedules and responsibilities.

Here’s what you can do:

Take five minutes in your office, the staff lounge, or even your car (parked, of course).
Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and picture a calming memory or place. Maybe it’s sitting by a lake, hiking through the woods, or that one time everything just seemed to click perfectly.
Let that memory remind you why you’re passionate about what you do, even when it feels overwhelming.

Sitting doesn’t solve every problem, but it gives your brain a much-needed time-out.

Write: Have Fun with the Pen (or pencil or crayon)

If the thought of writing makes you groan, please listen because writing is one of the best things you can do for your body and your brain. The physical act of writing can feel wonderful. In my workshops, people often comment that they had no idea how a solution to a problem appeared like magic when they looked back at what they wrote. Grab a notebook, and let your thoughts flow.

Here’s a prompt to try:

“If I could make one change for my workplace community, what would it be?”

This is a great exercise to do often, especially on a Monday when the week is full of possibilities. The act of writing helps you clarify your thoughts and reconnect with your thoughts and ideas. Change must start with ideas. Articulating, listing, writing out the things that irk you are a great place to start.

Move: Shake It Off

Stressful times are no excuse to sit still, except when you’re doing the Sit step of SWiM, of course. Movement is key to releasing stress and getting your creative juices flowing. Specific poses can provide different outcomes, but when in doubt, just dance it out!

Try this:

Stand up and stretch between meetings. A quick shoulder roll or neck stretch can work wonders.
Lead your team in a lighthearted movement activity to boost energy. It could be as simple as standing up and raising your arms overhead. Seriously, a 15 second stretch can work wonders.
Go for a walk outside or down the hall. Moving helps you reset, refocus, and maybe even find a fresh perspective.

Why Writing Yoga® Works

The Writing Yoga® method is a way to expand time and not something else to add to your plate. It’s about doing less, but better. By taking time to Sit, Write, and Move, you’ll feel more grounded, more creative, and usually much less stressed-out.

So, give yourself the gift of time: time to reflect, recharge, and regain your focus. You deserve it, and your family and workplace community will thank you for it.

Want to try the Writing Yoga® Method Online for Free?

If this sounds interesting to you, I would love for you to try my next free session.

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Writing Yoga® in real time, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience firsthand how guided movement, sitting, and writing can come together to create grounding and clarity.

Whether you’re curious about starting a new practice, need a little reset, or are just looking for a space to pause and reflect, this free session is designed to meet you where you are. I’d love to have you there!

Click here if you’d like to learn more and sign up.

Are you a teacher or librarian who wants to test out the Writing Yoga® Method? Click here for my course. Ask me about CTLE credit!

Are you a school administrator looking for some unusual PD or a retreat event? Visit my retreat page to learn how history, writing and SEL can build a calm, creative and more compassionate school community!

Remember to sit, write & move (SWiM!) each day for a calm, creative & more compassionate life.

For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com

Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!