Stress should never be seen as a good thing, nor should it be worn as a badge of honour. Contrary to what society would have us believe, running around and being "super busy" doesn't make you any more competent, useful or interesting... and most of the symptoms of stress can only harm you! 😮💨 How your body deals with stress Stress occurs when your body reacts to a challenge. It can result from controlled and chosen stimuli, such as lifting a heavy weight or doing high-intensity sport, or it can occur in response to real or perceived threats.
The stress response is there to help you manage the challenge you're facing at the time. In the short term, it gives you a much-needed boost of energy and alertness (so you can thank your body). However, if stress persists for too long and becomes repeated or chronic, it will start to wear you down and wreak havoc on your system. And when your nervous system reaches saturation point, it automatically switches to 'survival' mode in the face of all the triggers that follow. That's when even the 'little things in everyday life' seem like a mountain to climb.
Have you ever, for example, become overly angry when you're stuck in traffic? Break down in tears when you spill a glass of wine at dinner? Or freeze up and not dare say anything to the waiter who made a mistake with your order, and then dwell on it for the rest of the day?
Personally, I only realised that the physical, emotional and behavioural changes I was experiencing were due to stress, when it was too late... and I found myself in total exhaustion for 9 long months 😔 So, because I wouldn't wish this on anyone, here are some of the stress symptoms I was suffering from. If you recognise yourself, I've got good news for you 👇🏼 The ways in which you harm yourself because of the excess stress (survival energy) stored in your body Physical symptoms
The hormones our bodies produce in response to stressful situations can have a number of physical effects, such as:
Chronic fatigue
Panic attacks
Sleep problems
Muscle aches and headaches
Feeling unwell, dizzy or faint
Skin rashes or itching
Changes in menstruation or the menstrual cycle
Constipation or diarrhoea
Sudden weight gain or loss
Emotional symptoms
Stress can make you feel :
Irritable, angry, impatient or upset
Worried, nervous or scared
Sad
Overworked or overwhelmed
Unable to enjoy yourself, you've lost your sense of humour
Depressed
Disinterested in life
Neglected or lonely
Cognitive symptoms
You lack concentration, your mind wanders and you get distracted by everything.
You have memory loss (e.g. you can't remember what you did last weekend) or your memory seems slower than usual
You have learning difficulties, you can't retain new information (e.g. when you read a book to relax, you have to reread the same page over and over again because you can't remember what you've just read).
Your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off
You frequently forget things (e.g. you can't remember where you put the car keys)
Behavioural symptoms
You feel exhausted: no matter what you try to do, you just don't have the energy. All your plans are pointless and you regularly cancel - even appointments that you usually enjoy.
You have difficulty making decisions
You worry constantly or have feelings of anxiety
You lose your temper more easily than usual, even (and especially) with loved ones
You bite your nails
You sleep with your fists clenched
You twirl your hair
You grind your teeth or clench your jaw
You don't exercise as much as you used to, or you exercise too much
The good news is that you can begin to heal and free yourself from this stress through somatic exercises 💖
You'll soon notice a reduction in physical discomfort, a sense of emotional release and a clearer, more focused mind.
Imagine you have the energy to enjoy life's moments and the calm to face challenges with serenity 🙏🏼
You'll be more efficient, sleep better and find joy in the little things 💖 Are you ready to get rid of the pent-up stress that's preventing you from moving forward and taking care of yourself?
In December I'll be guiding you step by step towards greater well-being! 🥳
This week's free practice 🎥
This week I'm offering you somatic relaxation to release stress and emotions stored in your hips, to be practised in bed 🛏️