Signs You Are Fighting CHRONIC STRESS

We often associate stress with just feeling overwhelmed or anxious, but your body has its own way of waving the red flag. If you’ve been feeling “off” lately, your system might be in fight-or-flight mode without you even realizing it. Here are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your body could be fighting stress:

1. Puffiness or Bloating

Stress can cause water retention, especially in the face, belly, and limbs. Your lymphatic system slows down when you’re tense, making it harder to flush out excess fluid and toxins.

2. Tight Shoulders and Neck

Notice you're constantly adjusting your posture or rubbing your shoulders? That tension might not just be from sleeping wrong—your muscles can hold onto stress for days.

3. Low Energy or Constant Fatigue

Even if you're sleeping, stress can keep your nervous system on high alert, draining your energy and making you feel like you’re running on empty.

4. Digestive Changes

From bloating to irregular digestion or feeling like your stomach’s “in knots,” your gut is incredibly sensitive to stress.

5. Trouble Focusing

Mental fog, forgetfulness, or feeling scatterbrained could be your brain’s way of saying, “I need a break.”

6. Changes in Skin

Breakouts, dullness, or dryness? Stress affects hormone levels and circulation, which can show up in your skin before you even feel stressed.

7. Holding Your Breath or Shallow Breathing

This one is sneaky—many people under stress unconsciously hold their breath or take shallow breaths from the chest instead of the belly, keeping the body in a low-grade stress loop.

So, What Can You Do?

Start small:

• Deep breathing (try 4 seconds in, 4 seconds out)

• Gentle movement or stretching

• Lymphatic massage or bodywork to support drainage and circulation

• More quiet moments throughout your day (yes, even 5 minutes count)

Your body is wise—it knows when something’s off.
The more you listen, the better you can respond.

xx Sydney