As life jugglers, we often bear the weight of countless responsibilities—family, work, money, and so much more. Sometimes, stress feels overwhelming, robbing us of sleep, leaving us in pain, and making us feel like we have no time for ourselves. I know this feeling all too well.

In 2011, my mother passed away. Having lost my father two decades earlier, she had become the heart of the family, carrying the responsibilities of her immediate family and even her siblings. As her only daughter, I felt it was my duty to take up the mantle. For years, I mirrored her sacrifice, but I eventually realized that if I were to survive this role, I had to change how I approached it.

Over time, I learned that taking time for myself was not just important—it was necessary. By learning stress-relief techniques, I could manage the pressures of being the family matriarch while teaching those around me to respect my boundaries.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing methods to help you...