When Stress Lives in the Body
A certain amount of stress can be helpful. It keeps us alert and able to respond to the demands of daily life. As parents and caregivers, stress can help us care for our families and navigate busy schedules. However, when stress becomes constant and we do not have opportunities to recharge or process what we are feeling, it can begin to affect our wellbeing.
Stress often shows up in the body before we recognize it in our minds. It may appear as headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches, disrupted sleep or difficulty concentrating. We might notice ourselves feeling restless or overwhelmed without understanding why.
As a therapist and a mom, I pay attention to the ways stress shows up in my own life, too. One of the first signs for me is irritability. When I find myself less patient than usual, I pause and reflect on what might be contributing and ask, “what exactly am I feeling, and why?” Acknowledging the emotions underneath the irritability allows them to move through rather than live in the background. I have learned that increasing physical activity, even an extra ten-minute walk, also helps release tension and clear my mind.
In moments of stress, we often think we need to solve everything at once, but in reality, small steps still move us forward. Easing the moment might look like unclenching the jaw and taking a deep breath, talking with someone we trust, stepping outside for fresh air or improving sleep routines. These small actions create space for the next helpful step.
The path forward may begin with noticing what our body is trying to tell us and responding with one small act of care.
Disclaimer: this information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychotherapy or a therapeutic relationship.
Jen Wall is a Registered Psychotherapist with Talk With Jen Counselling and Psychotherapy, a virtual practice based in London, Ontario, supporting caregivers and professionals in high-stress roles experiencing burnout and emotional overload. Learn more at TalkWithJen.ca.
