11/24/2025
How Stress Shows Up in the Body (Even When You Don’t Feel “Stressed”)
Stress isn’t just an emotion, it has real, physical effects. Here are some of the most common evidence-based ways stress can show up in your body:
1️⃣ Muscle Tension & Aches
Stress activates your fight-or-flight system, increasing muscle tone especially in your neck, jaw, and low back.
2️⃣ Headaches or Migraines
Tension, hormone changes, and inflammation can all be triggered by stress.
3️⃣ Digestive Changes
Bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or IBS flares can happen because stress directly affects gut motility and the gut-brain axis.
4️⃣ Skin Flares
Eczema, acne, psoriasis, and even hives can get worse during periods of high stress due to cortisol and inflammation.
5️⃣ Sleep Issues
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking unrefreshed are common when cortisol is dysregulated.
6️⃣ Heart Symptoms
A racing heart, palpitations, or chest tightness can all be stress-driven (after ruling out concerning conditions).
Stress is real, physical, and valid.
Supporting your body through movement, breathwork, healthy boundaries, and nervous system regulation can make a big difference❤️
