By Erika Brooks, LPC, CSAC
Stress has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of our daily lives—quietly at first, then insistently, then overwhelmingly. As a therapist who has spent more than 20 years helping individuals navigate emotional and mental health challenges, I’ve seen firsthand how stress doesn’t just live in the mind; it lives in the body. It sits in the shoulders. It knots the stomach. It quickens the heartbeat. It steals rest. It disrupts clarity. And if we do not learn how to release it, stress begins to shape not only how we feel, but how we function.
The body remembers what we try to push through. It keeps a record of the responsibilities, the losses, the expectations, and the emotional load we carry. Many people don’t realize they are living in a constant state of tension until something forces them to slow down—a headache, a panic attack, emotional exhaustion, or a moment of breaking down in tears over something minor. The truth is: the body often speaks long before we are ready to listen.
This article serves as a general guide to help you understand how stress impacts the body and how you can begin releasing what you’ve been holding—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How Stress Shows Up in the Body
When stress becomes chronic, the body shifts into survival mode. The sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals are meant for short-term danger, but many people experience them every day, all day.
