Managing Stress: My Journey from a High-Achiever to a More Balanced Life

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been driven to achieve. As a chartered accountant, an MBA graduate, and someone who started multiple business ventures—including property and technology—my life was fast-paced, goal-oriented, and, of course, stressful.

For a while, I thrived on that energy. I started my own accounting business and juggled different ventures at the same time. But as the years went by, the weight of it all started to catch up with me. The long hours, the constant deadlines, the pressure to succeed—it all began to take a toll on both my mental and physical health. My vitiligo, in part, I believe, was triggered by that stress.

Recognizing the Need to Cut Stress

At one point, I realized that this cycle of stress was unsustainable. My body was giving me clear signals, and my vitiligo was a reminder that I needed to make a change. So, Peter and I made the conscious decision to actively reduce stress in our lives.

We left behind our high-pressure jobs and chose a different lifestyle—sailing around the world. It was a big shift, and while it did help to reduce many of the stresses that came with the work grind, sailing still comes with its own challenges. From navigating weather changes to managing life on the water, we’ve had to face new forms of stress, but the difference is that now, we handle it on our own terms.

And on top of it all, we’re also new parents to a wonderful 4-year-old toddler. Becoming parents has been the most incredible experience, but as any parent knows, it comes with its own set of stresses! Balancing our sailing lifestyle with raising a child has brought both joy and challenges. Throw in the natural ups and downs of our relationship, and we’ve had to work hard to keep things in balance—both as partners and as parents.

What I’ve Learned About Stress Management

While I haven’t “solved” stress entirely, I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way that have helped me find more balance and peace:

1. Embrace Simplicity

Our decision to live on a boat has been a step toward simplicity. We’ve learned to live with less, value experiences over material things, and focus on what really matters. Simplifying my life helped reduce the unnecessary pressures that once consumed me.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Even in this new lifestyle, there are times when stress creeps back in. Whether it’s work-related or the challenges of living on a boat, I’ve learned to set clear boundaries for myself. I don’t take on too much at once, and I make time for rest and relaxation without feeling guilty.

3. Find a Routine That Works

Even in the unpredictable world of sailing, I’ve found that having a daily routine helps me manage stress. I make time for exercise, mindful breathing, and staying connected with loved ones. A routine brings structure to what could otherwise be a chaotic day, especially with a toddler onboard!

4. Stay Present

Living on a boat has taught me the importance of staying in the moment. The sea has its own rhythms, and I’ve learned to go with the flow, literally. Practicing mindfulness—whether it’s watching the sunrise or simply being aware of my breathing—has helped me stay grounded, no matter what challenges arise.

5. Accept Imperfection

One of the biggest stressors in my previous life was the need for everything to be perfect. Whether in my career or personal life, I always aimed for perfection. Over time, I’ve learned to let go of that mindset. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Accepting imperfection has been liberating, and it’s made room for more joy in my life.

Stress and Vitiligo: A Clear Connection

Every time I experience stress, I notice that my vitiligo patches either come back or spread more. It’s a frustrating reminder that my mind and body are deeply connected. Managing stress has become essential—not just for my peace of mind, but also for keeping my vitiligo from worsening. While I can’t avoid stress entirely, being mindful of how it affects my body has helped me stay more in control of my condition.

Stress Will Always Be There, But We Can Choose How to Handle It

While I can’t say I’ve completely eliminated stress from my life (does anyone?), I’ve learned to approach it differently. Instead of letting it control me, I now work on managing it in a way that feels healthier and more aligned with the life I want to live.

For anyone reading this who’s feeling overwhelmed by stress, know that it’s okay to take a step back. Reducing stress doesn’t always mean making drastic life changes, but it does mean prioritizing your well-being and finding ways to create space for peace in your everyday life.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What has worked for you in managing stress? I’d love to hear your stories.