We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nahrin Chowdhury. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nahrin below.
Nahrin, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
What Is Confidence?Is it being fearless? Aggressive and forceful with words? The loudest person in the room? Or the most beautiful?
In truth, confidence is none of these. The word itself comes from the Latin con (with) and fidere (trust), meaning self-trust. Confidence is a belief—a deep acceptance of who you are, an assurance in your abilities, and the trust that you can navigate life’s challenges, even in the face of fear.
True confidence is subtle yet powerful. It’s a quiet knowing that no situation, person, or criticism can shake you because you’re secure in who you are. It’s the ability to take feedback and grow, recognizing your strengths and areas for improvement without letting them define your worth. Confidence is responding thoughtfully, even in difficult moments—not out of weakness, but strength. It’s making decisions true to yourself, free of outside influence or the need for validation.
Confidence isn’t a fleeting emotion or an innate trait—it’s a belief system.
Building my own confidence didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t the result of a single pep talk, self-help book, or life-changing event. It was a process—a gradual collection of evidence that strengthened my belief in myself. At first, I didn’t even realize I was building confidence because I misunderstood what it was.
Life tested me with challenges, pushing me to my limits and teaching me resilience. I learned to ask myself: Why not? Why can’t I do this? How can I grow and learn from this experience, no matter how it goes? Slowly, I came to realize: I will be okay. In fact, I’ll be even better.
A pivotal period in my life brought a series of challenges: losing my grandmother, a divorce, major health issues, and other hurdles. I felt stretched to my breaking point—but I didn’t break. Instead, I got back up and forged new paths that aligned with the person I was becoming. These experiences showed me my strength and resilience, and with each step, my confidence grew.
I began to challenge myself in new ways: traveling solo to Africa, learning boxing, studying French, and running a 5K. Each achievement was proof—I could do hard things. Quietly but steadily, confidence became part of my core.
When I moved to Los Angeles, I took a leap of faith. I packed up and left New York City—a place of stability, a pension, and a well-established career—without ever visiting LA or knowing anyone there. I trusted myself, and that trust paid off. I fell in love with the city, made incredible friends, and thrived in my new role.
The evidence continued to mount: I can take risks, adapt, and create a life I love.
This belief system eventually inspired me to create Unstressified, a company dedicated to empowering others to develop confidence, set boundaries, and build lives aligned with their values. Through self-discovery, strategic planning, and ongoing reflection, anyone can collect their own evidence, strengthen their core beliefs, and unlock their potential.
In 2024, I took the riskiest leap yet: leaving a 20-year career in education to pursue Unstressified full-time. Unlike skydiving, there’s no built-in safety net, no end point guaranteeing a successful landing. My finances, livelihood, and career were all on the line. It’s terrifying—but I trust myself.
Recently, I launched Unstressified Blue Tea, a unique stress-relieving tea that changes color with numerous health benefits. Despite moments of self-doubt, like asking myself What am I doing?, I remind myself: I’ve done hard things before—I can do this too.
In 2025, Unstressified will evolve in ways that scare and excite me. I’m venturing into uncharted territories, creating something I’ve never done before. But the evidence is there: I’ve faced fear, stumbled, and risen stronger every time.
Steps to Build Confidence:
Face Your Fears: Identify what intimidates you and take small steps toward confronting it. Confidence grows through action, not the absence of fear.
Create Evidence of Your Strength: Reflect on your achievements. Each success, no matter how small, reinforces your belief in yourself.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Try new activities, learn new skills, or explore unfamiliar places.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness during setbacks. Confidence thrives in an environment of support.
Develop Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirmations like, “I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.” Over time, this rewires your self-perception.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Build a community of friends and mentors who uplift you. Distance yourself from those who diminish your confidence.
Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge your progress—big and small. Reflecting on how far you’ve come creates momentum for future growth.
Invest in Self-Development: Prioritize your growth through books, courses, or therapy. A stronger sense of self fosters deeper confidence.
Building confidence is a journey, not a destination. By trusting in your abilities and valuing your resilience, you can create a life you love.
You’ve got this.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m the founder of Unstressified, LLC, and I created The Unstressified Method to help people and organizations manage stress in a way that’s simple, sustainable, and personalized. I know firsthand how stress can feel overwhelming, leaving you stuck and unsure of how to move forward. I’ve been there too—juggling a demanding career, personal responsibilities, and the pressure to have it all figured out. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others not just survive but truly thrive.
Before starting Unstressified, I spent nearly 20 years in education, working as a math teacher and school leader in New York and Los Angeles. I loved helping students and teachers unlock their potential and navigate challenges. But I also saw how stress—whether from work, home, or life—can weigh us down. My own experiences with stress pushed me to find better ways to cope, grow, and ultimately create a life I love. That’s what inspired me to dive deep into stress management and wellness.
I became certified in stress management, mindfulness, and meditation through Harvard University and developed The Unstressified Method—a science-backed approach tailored to fit the unique needs of each person or organization. My goal is to show people that stress doesn’t have to control their lives. It can be a stepping stone to empowerment, growth, and creating the life they’ve always wanted.
What I love most is seeing the ripple effect of this work. When someone gains confidence, starts prioritizing themselves, or takes a leap—whether it’s advocating for themselves at work, taking up a new hobby, or even starting a business—it’s incredible. It reminds me why I do this.
Unstressified isn’t just about coaching or workshops; it’s also about creating accessible solutions. For example, I recently launched Unstressified Blue Tea, a calming tea that supports health and wellness while fitting easily into your daily routine. And there’s more to come—I’m working on products that use the tea’s unique properties for skincare and hair care.
I offer stress management coaching for individuals, but I also specialize in corporate trainings and group events to help teams build resilience, reduce burnout, and create healthier workplace cultures. Whether it’s an interactive workshop, a wellness day, or a tailored training for your organization, I bring tools and strategies that empower people to thrive both personally and professionally.
I’m especially passionate about working with women and communities like my own—Asian and South Asian professionals—because I understand the unique challenges we face. Balancing cultural expectations, career ambitions, and personal well-being isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right support.
I’m also branching out creatively by writing books. I have two children’s books out, with more on the way, and I’m working on books for adults that focus on empowerment and well-being. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about a big project in 2025 that will combine my love for education and self-care into a comprehensive program to help even more people.
If you’re looking for more information, resources, tips, and strategies to get Unstressified—or want to try our Unstressified Blue Tea—visit us on Instagram @unstressified @unstressifieblue or check out our website www.unstressified.com. I’d love for you to join the community and start your journey toward a happier, healthier life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Emotional Intelligence & Effective Communication
Strong emotional intelligence (EQ) has been essential to my personal and professional growth. Being able to understand and manage my own emotions, empathize with others, and communicate effectively has allowed me to build trust and navigate complex situations. Early on, I recognized that emotional awareness and empathy were foundational to creating meaningful connections—whether in my personal life, in education, or in business. Emotional intelligence and effective communication have helped me stay calm under pressure, collaborate with diverse groups, and resolve conflicts. These skills have been crucial in understanding the needs of those I serve, both in my coaching practice and within organizations. Whether working with clients, leading teams, or offering coaching, the ability to connect on an emotional level and communicate with care has fostered deeper relationships and enabled me to serve others more effectively.
Advice: Start by practicing self-awareness—understand your triggers, emotions, and reactions. Take time for self-reflection and be open to feedback. The more you can empathize with others and manage your emotions, the more effective you’ll be in navigating both personal and professional relationships.
Adaptability and Resilience
Building a business, transitioning from an educator to an empowerment coach, and working in different environments has required constant adaptation. Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, and resilience allows you to bounce back stronger. It’s the ability to take lessons from difficult experiences and keep moving forward, especially when the path isn’t clear. In particular, I learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
Advice: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity to grow. Stay flexible in your approach and be willing to change course when needed. The more you can embrace uncertainty, the stronger your resilience will become.
Lifelong Learning and Curiosity
The willingness to learn, grow, and always be curious about new opportunities or perspectives has been a game-changer. Whether it was diving into stress management techniques, expanding my knowledge of wellness practices, or exploring new approaches to teaching, my commitment to learning has fueled my progress. This mindset helped me stay innovative and effective in offering strategies that make a meaningful impact.
Advice: Never stop learning—whether it’s through formal education, reading, seeking mentors, or simply being open to new experiences. Ask questions, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to evolve with the times. The more you invest in expanding your knowledge, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the future.
For those early in their journey, I recommend focusing on developing these qualities from the start. Cultivating emotional intelligence, building resilience, and maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning will help set a strong foundation for success and empower you to handle whatever challenges come your way.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development is Atomic Habits by James Clear. A few key insights that have been particularly impactful for me are:
The Power of Small Habits: I’ve always had a strong sense of urgency and tend to be hard on myself, especially when striving to reach big goals. Atomic Habits helped me realize that focusing on small, consistent habits allows me to give myself grace and avoid feeling overwhelmed. It’s taught me to celebrate the daily wins, both personally and professionally, while keeping the bigger picture in mind. By breaking down goals into manageable habits, I’ve learned to create momentum without burning out.
The Importance of Identity: This concept has been crucial not just in my personal life but also as an education leader and coach. I’ve seen firsthand that to achieve the best results in schools, it’s not just about teaching strategies or methods—it’s about helping school leaders, teachers, and students believe in themselves. When they identify as capable and capable of being number one, everything else falls into place. The same applies to stress management. By believing they are someone who can live the life they desire, speak up for themselves, and handle challenges, they are empowered to take action and thrive. For me, in moments of doubt, especially now as I venture into building my own business, I remind myself, “I am a businesswoman, I am a leader,” and that affirmation gives me the confidence to keep moving forward.
Habit Stacking: One of the most practical and valuable strategies from Atomic Habits has been habit stacking. Personally, it’s been a game-changer. I now pair simple habits together, like enjoying my morning tea while doing a few minutes of stretching, making the process both manageable and sustainable. When it comes to helping others, I guide them to find what’s achievable and then build on it. It’s all about stacking small actions, achieving them, and using that momentum to build more habits over time. We start with something simple, celebrate the progress, and keep stacking to create lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/unstressified
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unstressified
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ nahrin-chowdhury-73559b120
- Other: https://www.unstressified.com/s-projects-basic-1
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