Why Your Body Is Holding On To Stress — And What You Can Do About It
When your nervous system has been in “survival mode” for months or even years, it learns to stay vigilant. It keeps your cortisol high, your mind racing, your body tense — not because something’s wrong with you, but because your system is doing exactly what it was built to do — protecting you.
Healing doesn’t always start with bigger changes. Sometimes it starts with smaller ones — tiny acts of safety you’ll actually do. When you consistently choose these, your nervous system begins to learn: I’m safe now.
Here are seven simple somatic tools to support your nervous system and begin the shift back to calm, clarity & ease.
1. Check-In With Your Body Morning & Evening
Start and end your day with a gentle pause.
In the morning: place a hand on your heart or belly and ask: “How am I feeling today? What does my body need?”
In the evening: acknowledge one thing that felt good and one thing you’re ready to release. Then take a long, soft exhale—this tells your body it’s safe to settle.
These check-ins build awareness and train your system to listen.
2. Respond to Your Body’s Needs
When you skip meals, over-caffeinate, or work through exhaustion, your system reads it as threat. Nourish instead of neglect.
Prepare a balanced meal (protein + healthy fats + comforting veggies).
Give yourself a few minutes of rest—even closing your eyes in a chair works.
Try a self-hug or hand massage when you feel the tightness.
These small gestures say: “I’ve got you.”
3. Move in a Way That Feels Good (Not Punishing)
Movement doesn’t need to be intense.
Take a slow stroll and notice your feet touching the ground.
Shake out your arms to release stuck energy.
Dance, stretch, or practice gentle yoga.
Movement becomes a message of safety when it feels free and easy.
4. Interrupt the Stress Loop with Micro-Breaks
Your nervous system doesn’t need long rituals—just moments of safety.
Step outside, and take three deep breaths of fresh air.
Close your eyes and roll your shoulders.
Do a 5-4-3-2-1 sensory check: 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
Tiny resets over time build big relief.
5. Set Loving Boundaries
Your nervous system stays on alert when your life says: go, go, go.
Decline commitments that drain you.
Ask your body before you say “yes” — what does it need?
Book a non-negotiable “you” appointment in your calendar.
Limit social media or people who pull your energy down.
Boundaries are a radical act of self-care.
6. Make Space for Joy & Creativity
Joy isn’t optional—it’s a nervous-system regulator.
Sing, dance, bake, or journal just for fun.
Spend time in nature—even if it’s five minutes of sun on your face.
These small sparks remind your body: yes, life can feel safe and light.
7. Ground Yourself Through the Senses
When you’re stressed, you’re often “out of body”. Grounding brings you home.
Wrap up in a soft blanket or hold a warm mug of tea.
Smell calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus.
Stand with your feet flat on the floor—feel the texture beneath you.
Look around and notice shapes, colours, textures.
These sensory moments build safety and soothe your nervous system.
You Don’t Have to Do It All — Just One Thing
Here’s the truth: One small, consistent act trumps many big acts done occasionally.
Pick one tool from above and try it for 7 days in a row. Track how you feel. Your nervous system will thank you.
You aren’t broken.
You’re not lazy.
You’re beautifully alive—and your body knows how to heal when she’s given the chance.
If you’d like gentle support in reconnecting with your body and giving your nervous system the message of safety it’s been waiting for, I’m here. Let’s meet in rest and presence together.
— With warmth,
Tiffany – Tiffany Health & Healing