How to De-Stress When You Can’t Switch Off

If you’ve ever been told to “just relax” when you’re feeling overwhelmed, you probably rolled your eyes. For some of us, relaxing isn’t simple. Our minds are constantly switched on – planning, worrying, thinking of the next thing we should be doing.

That’s exactly how I used to feel. I thought I was one of those people who simply couldn’t relax, no matter how hard I tried. A bubble bath? Nice, but my mind would wander. Watching a film? I’d still be making mental to-do lists.

And honestly, most advice online about stress only made it worse because it was the same repetitive tips over and over. None of it worked for me. What finally helped was something different – something I now call a multi-sensory reset.

you can check out my post on stress and how it affects fertility here.

What is a Multi-Sensory Reset?

A multi-sensory reset is all about giving your brain so much enjoyable input that it has no choice but to stop looping on stressful thoughts. Instead of trying to “do nothing” (which can feel impossible when your mind is racing), you combine two or more enjoyable activities to fully occupy your senses.

For example, if I just put a film on, my thoughts drift back to whatever’s stressing me out. But if I do a crossword puzzle while listening to stand-up comedy, my brain becomes absorbed in the fun and has to let go of the stress.

It’s not about distraction just for distraction sake, it’s about creating an immersive, layered experience that allows your nervous system to reset.

Examples of Multi-Sensory Resets

Here are some simple but powerful combinations you can try:

• Take a scented bath with lavender or eucalyptus oils, play soft jazz in the background, and bring a good book to read.
• Host a cosy night in with friends: share food, put on music, and play a game together.
• Go for a walk with your dog in a peaceful spot while listening to your favourite podcast.
• Try a creative project like painting or colouring while sipping herbal tea and playing uplifting music.
• Pair a puzzle with background laughter – do a jigsaw, Sudoku, or crossword while watching a comedy show.

The beauty of this approach is that it’s flexible. You don’t have to follow a strict formula – just combine things that light you up and fully engage your senses.

Why It Works

Stress lingers when your brain is stuck in a cycle of overthinking. A multi-sensory reset interrupts that cycle by giving your attention somewhere else to land. Once you step away from the pressure, even for ten minutes, you return clearer, calmer, and surprisingly refreshed.

I used to believe I couldn’t relax – that my brain just didn’t have an “off switch.” But once I started experimenting with multi-sensory resets, I realised I could unwind in my own way. And that shift changed everything.

Your Next Step

If you feel like you “just can’t relax,” maybe it’s not that you’re incapable of switching off. Maybe you just haven’t found your reset yet.

Experiment with your own combinations of activities. Think of it as a little journey of self-discovery – finding what lights you up and helps your mind soften. When you do, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter, fresher, and more creative you feel afterwards.

I have many other posts on my blog for fertility, you can find here, otherwise you can also check out the NHS website about infertility, here.