Banish Your Worries

Stress can sneak up on you. Sometimes, it’s obvious, like racing thoughts or a pounding heart. Other times, it’s subtle – clenched jaws, shallow breathing, or a nagging tightness in your shoulders. Either way, your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between a real threat and something imagined. And that’s where the trouble begins.

Your brain and central nervous system act like the conductor of an orchestra. When the conductor is overwhelmed, the whole body plays out of sync. Blood pressure rises. Muscles tense. Digestion speeds up. Your body prepares for danger that doesn’t actually exist.

That’s why stress can feel so physically exhausting.

Your Thoughts, Your Body’s Reactions

A study from the University of Cambridge found that even reading about a physical action—like jumping—activates the same brain regions as doing it. It’s how we feel empathy and explains why thinking about stressors creates a physical response.

The more negative thoughts you cycle through, the more your body responds like those things are really happening. It’s not “just in your head.” It’s in your muscles, your gut, your sleep.

Stress relief isn’t just a mental exercise. It’s a full-body reset—and sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a pen and paper.

A Simple Stress-Buster Exercise

Try this when things feel heavy:

1. Block out 20 minutes of quiet time.
2. Write down every single thing that’s bothering you—no filter.
3. Look at the list. Notice what stings: resentment, fear, guilt?
4. Make a plan. Some things are easy—schedule that call, fix that light, book that appointment. Others may need more time or support, but the act of planning begins the healing.

Stress loses power when it’s named. Healing begins when you take that first step.