How Stress Shows Up in Your Body (and What to Do About It)

Have you ever noticed your shoulders tensing up during a hard week, or your stomach twisting before a big conversation? Maybe you wake up tired even though you technically “slept,” or you catch yourself clenching your jaw without realizing it.

That’s not just coincidence.
That’s stress living in your body.

Many of us try to think our way out of stress. We tell ourselves to calm down, to stop worrying, to just push through. But our bodies don’t speak that language. They communicate through tension, headaches, tight chests, and that feeling of being “on edge” all the time.

Here’s what’s really happening: when your body senses stress, your nervous system moves into survival mode. Your heart rate increases, your breathing gets shallow, your muscles tighten. It’s your body’s way of saying, “I’m not safe right now.” And when stress becomes ongoing, those physical signals don’t turn off.

So how do you start to unwind it?

• Notice without judgment. Begin by checking in with your body throughout the day. Where do you feel tightness or discomfort? Awareness is the first step.

• Give your body what it needs. This might mean deep breathing, stretching, or grounding yourself by placing both feet on the floor and focusing on the present moment.

• Make rest non-negotiable. Rest isn’t earned. It’s required. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and pushing through chronic stress only deepens exhaustion.

Your body has been trying to get your attention, it’s time to start listening.

If your body feels like it’s carrying too much, therapy can help you release the weight of stress and reconnect with a calmer version of yourself. Reach out today to start feeling more at ease in your own skin.