Letting Go of Invisible Pressures: How to Release the “Shoulds” in Life
Do you ever feel weighed down by invisible pressures? The “shoulds” we place on ourselves — the things we think we have to do, how we should behave, or what others expect — can quietly steal our energy and calm. Often, these pressures aren’t even real; they’re an accumulation of expectations we’ve internalised over time.
What Are “Imaginary Pressures”?
Imaginary pressures are the expectations we feel we need to meet — but that aren’t truly ours. They can come from:
Social norms or comparisons
Childhood conditioning or upbringing
Work, friends, or family expectations
Inner “should” voices that replay in our minds
These pressures can feel heavy and exhausting. The good news? You can notice them, question them, and choose what to carry forward.
A Simple 5-Step Framework to Release Pressure
I use this framework in the Inspired Club to help myself + members let go of what doesn’t serve us. You can try it too:
Notice the Pressure – Pause + observe where tension or stress shows up in your mind + body.
Identify the Source – Ask: “Is this pressure truly mine, or am I holding onto someone else’s expectations?”
Evaluate the Impact – Reflect: “If I keep holding this, how might it be limiting me or my joy?”
Choose a Response – Decide how you want to act or release the pressure. Even small steps count.
Integrate & Reflect – Breathe, journal, or meditate on how you feel after letting some pressure go.
Tip: Try journaling your answers for each step. It can turn a fleeting thought into real insight + change.
Movement + Mindfulness to Support Release
Physical practice can help the body release stress that thoughts alone can’t shift. Gentle flows, yin stretches, and restorative practices can help:
Melt tension in the shoulders, hips, and lower back
Ground your mind in the present
Reinforce the feeling of letting go
Even a 5-minute meditation focusing on noticing tension + breathing it out can make a big difference.
Affirmations to Anchor Your Practice
Repeating affirmations helps shift energy and mindset. Here are a few to try:
I am aware of the pressures I carry, without judgment.
I choose to release what doesn’t serve me.
I create space for calm, clarity, and freedom in my day.
Speak them aloud, listen to a recorded version on the Inspired Club , or write them in your journal.
Final Thoughts
Letting go of imaginary pressures is a practice, not a one-time fix. Start small, be gentle with yourself, and notice the subtle shifts in your energy and mindset. By releasing the “shoulds” that aren’t truly yours, you can reclaim more calm, clarity, and freedom in your daily life.
If you’d like to explore this theme further, the Inspired Club offers full-length practices, guided meditations, journaling prompts, and affirmations to help you release invisible pressures + reconnect with your own rhythm.