Stress in the Body
Why Your Body Holds Onto Stress (And How to Let It Go)
Have you ever noticed how stress doesn’t just exist in your mind—it shows up in your body too? Tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a knot in your stomach… these are all signs that your body is holding onto tension. But why does this happen, and how can you start to release it?
Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Tries to Forget
Stress isn’t just a passing emotion—it’s a physiological response. When faced with a stressful situation, your nervous system kicks into gear, activating the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. Ideally, once the stressor passes, your body should return to a balanced state. But when stress is ongoing, or when a situation feels overwhelming or unsafe, that response can get stuck, leaving tension stored in the body.
Cultural and Social Conditioning Play a Role
From an early age, many of us are taught to suppress our emotions and 'push through' stress. In many cultures, showing vulnerability is seen as weakness, and we’re often praised for being 'strong' and 'resilient'—even when that means ignoring our own needs. Over time, this conditioning teaches us to override our body’s natural responses, making it harder to release stress in a healthy way. Instead of allowing ourselves to process emotions fully, we tighten, suppress, and store them in our muscles, nervous system, and even our posture.
How Stress Gets Stored in the Body
When stress isn’t processed, it doesn’t just disappear—it embeds itself in the body. This can show up as:
Chronic muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw)
Shallow breathing or breath-holding
Digestive issues
Fatigue or burnout
Anxiety, irritability, or feeling 'on edge' for no obvious reason
How to Start Letting It Go
The good news? Your body has an incredible ability to release stored stress—when given the right conditions. Here are some ways to support that process:
Movement – Shaking, stretching, dancing, and even walking can help release built-up tension.
Breathwork – Deep, intentional breathing sends a signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to relax.
Somatic Practices – Gentle body-based techniques like tapping, self-massage, or grounding exercises can help the body process and integrate emotions.
Expression – Crying, sighing, or even laughing can be powerful ways the body naturally releases stress.
Rest and Regulation – Prioritising rest, creating moments of stillness, and engaging in activities that bring you a sense of calm can help your system find balance again.
Your body isn’t working against you—it’s always trying to protect you. When you learn to listen to its signals and give yourself permission to release, you create space for more ease, presence, and connection.
*Have you ever noticed how stress shows up in your body?