Stress is a universal experience, yet many people find themselves ill-equipped to manage it effectively. A new research paper explores how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and large language models (LLMs) could transform stress relief by creating simulated environments for practicing self-care. The study, "Practicing Stress Relief for the Everyday," dives into the potential of these technologies to provide safe, virtual spaces where individuals can learn and refine coping mechanisms for everyday stressors, like public speaking, social anxiety, and conflict resolution. Researchers built eight interactive prototypes simulating these scenarios across VR, AR, and text-based interfaces. Participants then engaged with these simulations, providing insights into how these technologies can best support self-care practices. A key finding was a preference for AR experiences situated within real-world locations. Imagine using AR in your office to practice a presentation before it actually happens! Participants felt that this grounding in reality enhanced the transfer of skills to real-life situations. The study also revealed how interactive dialogue, facilitated by LLMs, adds another dimension to the simulations. By allowing users to engage in dynamic, evolving conversations with AI-powered avatars, the researchers discovered how participants could get genuinely stressed by virtual scenarios. The ability to receive personalized stress-relief guidance in the moment, such as prompts for box breathing exercises, was also seen as helpful. However, researchers identified critical factors that affect how people respond to these technologies. Some participants worried about becoming "too stressed" in a realistic simulation, while others valued the ability to manually control the level of simulated anxiety. The research also pointed towards the importance of user agency in choosing how and when to engage with mental health guidance. While the results are promising, there are still challenges to overcome. Maintaining a balance between realism and virtual safety remains a key area to investigate. Furthermore, ensuring these interventions are accessible and inclusive, irrespective of a user’s background, is crucial. Ultimately, this research offers exciting new directions for applying VR, AR, and LLMs to help people build stress-relief skills that are practical and relevant to our busy, stressful lives.