Stress and Our Modern Pokémon Collection

In the world of Pokémon cards, some are common, some rare, and some so valuable that people will go to great lengths to find them.

Lately, I’ve realized that many of us treat our stressors the same way — we collect them, carry them with us, compare them and try to get them all. It’s like we’re chasing the most expensive one.

But you don’t want that.

A friend and I often call our stressors “Pokémon.“How many do you have today? Just one, or the whole collection?”

It sounds funny, but the more I pay attention, the more I notice: most of us are collecting far too many.

Stress has become woven into our daily vocabulary.

When someone asks, “How are you?”, the default response is often:

“Just a bit stressed.”

But that “bit” tends to last every day, for weeks or months at a time.

Our bodies weren’t built for this. Stress hormones once served a clear purpose — helping our ancestors survive real threats.

Today, we’re not running from lions or mammoths, yet our nervous system reacts the same way to modern challenges: health concerns, job dissatisfaction, financial pressure, strained relationships, lack of time, and even the daily commute.

The symptoms are familiar: headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, emotional overeating, or loss of appetite. And still, many of us ignore them because “there’s no time.”

Little by little, stress becomes part of what we call normal — and eventually part of who we think we are. It shapes our behavior too: someone who seems constantly angry, withdrawn, sad, or unmotivated may simply be carrying too many of their own “Pokémon.”

So here’s a question worth asking:

How many Pokémon are you carrying today? Are you collecting them without noticing? Or are you waiting for that one “rare card” — the moment that finally forces you to slow down?

Maybe it’s time to stop collecting stress as if we’re competing for who can have the biggest set.

Stress is normal — but not in the quantities we live with today.

Yes, it would help to connect with nature, exercise, walk more, or do activities we love…

But the answer we often tell ourselves is the same: “I don’t have time.”

What can you do today? Trust me, it helps — it’s as simple as it sounds, and over time, you will notice the difference.

That’s why small, realistic steps matter.

Start today:

• Take several 2-minute breathing breaks — focus only on your breath and let the world fade for a moment

• Listen to calming music during your commute — imagine yourself in a place where you feel relaxed and safe

• Mentally prepare in the morning for what you might face and how you want to respond

With small steps, you may begin to notice that life can be calmer, gentler, and more balanced.

Not all stressors pushed us into the abyss — but they have certainly left their marks.

If people are willing to walk for hours chasing Pokémon in a game, are you willing to make a few small changes — for yourself?