Is celebrities anxiety techniques really the secret weapon against stress? In a world where mental health is under the spotlight, A-listers are opening up about their struggles and the unconventional methods they’ve used to cope. From Adele’s surprising pre-show ritual to Selena Gomez’s unique mindfulness hack, these stars are redefining how we tackle anxiety. Their stories offer practical takeaways for anyone feeling overwhelmed in 2025. Here are 11 celebrities who’ve battled anxiety and the unexpected techniques that helped them reclaim control.
1. Adele: Weighted Blankets for Pre-Show Nerves
Grammy-winning powerhouse Adele has been vocal about her stage fright. Her go-to? A weighted blanket. She wraps herself in one backstage to calm her nerves before sold-out shows. Studies, like those from the National Institutes of Health, suggest weighted blankets can reduce anxiety by mimicking a comforting hug, lowering cortisol levels. Adele swears it’s a game-changer for grounding herself under pressure.
2. Selena Gomez: Journaling with a Twist
Selena Gomez, who’s battled anxiety and depression, turns to journaling—but not the typical kind. She writes letters to her younger self, reflecting on growth and resilience. This technique, rooted in self-compassion, is backed by research from American Psychological Association, showing expressive writing can ease emotional distress. Gomez says it helps her process fame’s intense scrutiny.
3. Ryan Reynolds: Humor as a Shield
Ryan Reynolds admits anxiety often creeps in during high-stakes projects. His weapon? Humor. He cracks self-deprecating jokes to diffuse tension, a method psychologists note can reframe stressful situations. Reynolds has shared that laughter—even forced—helps him stay present, especially on chaotic movie sets.
4. Kristen Bell: Scheduled Worry Time
Kristen Bell, star of “The Good Place,” manages anxiety by scheduling “worry time.” She sets aside 15 minutes daily to fret, then shuts it down. This cognitive trick prevents spiraling thoughts from dominating her day. Therapists often recommend this to contain overthinking, and Bell credits it for keeping her grounded.
5. Chris Evans: Nature Walks Without Tech
Chris Evans, known as Captain America, steps away from Hollywood’s chaos with tech-free nature walks. He leaves his phone behind to focus on breathing and surroundings. Disconnecting aligns with studies showing nature reduces stress hormones. Evans says it’s his reset button when anxiety spikes.
6. Lady Gaga: Ice Baths for Mental Clarity
Lady Gaga, who’s spoken about PTSD and anxiety, uses ice baths to shock her system into calm. The cold exposure, she claims, forces focus and dulls mental noise. While not for everyone, some research suggests cold therapy can lower stress responses. Gaga calls it her “hard reset.”
7. Zayn Malik: Breathing Exercises on the Fly
Former One Direction star Zayn Malik has battled severe performance anxiety. His fix? Quick, deep-breathing exercises before stepping on stage. He inhales for four seconds, holds, and exhales for four. This box-breathing technique, used by Navy SEALs, slows heart rate and curbs panic. Malik says it’s a lifesaver.
8. Emma Stone: Baking as Therapy
Emma Stone turns to baking when anxiety hits. The repetitive, tactile process of kneading dough or measuring ingredients distracts her mind. Occupational therapists note that such hands-on tasks can mimic mindfulness, reducing stress. Stone admits it’s her quiet escape from Hollywood’s pressures.
9. Kendrick Lamar: Visualization Before Shows
Rapper Kendrick Lamar uses visualization to combat performance jitters. He mentally rehearses successful shows, picturing every detail. Sports psychologists often tout this for building confidence, as it tricks the brain into feeling prepared. Lamar says it’s how he conquers self-doubt mid-tour.
10. Billie Eilish: Limiting Social Media Exposure
Billie Eilish, a Gen Z icon, links much of her anxiety to social media. Her solution? Strict time limits on apps. She’s candid about how endless scrolling fuels comparison and stress, a concern echoed in mental health studies. Eilish’s boundaries help her stay focused on real life.
11. Hugh Jackman: Gratitude Lists to Reframe Thoughts
Hugh Jackman, despite his Wolverine toughness, faces anxiety like anyone else. His technique? Daily gratitude lists. He writes down three things he’s thankful for, shifting focus from worry to positivity. Research supports that gratitude practices can improve mental well-being. Jackman says it keeps him balanced amid fame’s chaos.
These celebrities anxiety techniques prove there’s no one-size-fits-all for mental health. Whether it’s a weighted blanket or a gratitude list, stars are finding creative ways to cope in 2025’s high-pressure world. Their methods, often backed by science, offer inspiration for anyone looking to manage stress with a fresh approach.