I was a christian for 26 years and was used to praying through the hard times to feel better. Now that I don't believe there is a god out there in control of everything, I've had to come up with other ways to de-stress. Sometimes I just remind myself of how far I've come and what I've been capable of. Sometimes I take deep breaths. How do you de-stress when things are tough?
I walk a labyrinth if there is one nearby. Or, I take a hike in the woods, bring my hammock, and find a place to relax and enjoy the quiet.
@LisaL81 I like to go into a flow state.
Hope these little de-stressors of mine lead you to find what works best for you.
Count your Blessings. Nothing to to do with god... keep your eye in your Potential and how much you are Worth... to yourself. Peace.
Deep breaths are good, but deep drags on a pipe work better. Seriously, I de-stress by getting in my car and driving down rural roads (they are all rural roads here) while listening to Neil Gaiman books, or maybe Terry Pratchett's. Or late at night, I may have one or two shots of aquavit and listen to the Rolling Stones until the dogs protest.
Mindfulness meditation, exercise, sex (self & other), moderate alcohol consumption, hot tub, television.
Since you seem to be seeking things specifically to replace prayer, I would direct you to many, many options for meditation that are out there. I recommend books and audio programs by Zen Master Thich Naht Hahn and videos by deeply secular news anchor Dan Harris. There are even apps to guide you, such as Calm, Breathe, Insight Timer. I believe Sam Harris has even developed one called Waking Up.
Welcome to your new freedom!
I do believe in the power of massage. The power of human touch and muscular massage can really de-stress and get those feel-good transmitters and receptor going with the good stuff. Even an inexpensive massage at the mall can do that for you. It does not have to be a $300 spa day. (And I'm not talking about the happy-ending kind at the asian massage parlor, either.)