Stress No More: How to Understand, Test & Soothe -What Your Body’s Trying to Tell You
Because sometimes, stress isn’t just “in your head” — it’s in your heartbeat, your breath, and the way you bite your cheek without even realising.
My Story: When “Just Stressed” Was So Much More
There was a time I thought “I’m stressed” just meant being busy —
a full calendar, rushing from one thing to the next, always on the go.
I guess many of us still think that, until our bodies finally make us stop.
One morning — though it was bright and fresh — I stood in my kitchen holding my Nespresso coffee, feeling like the world had dimmed overnight.
The coffee that usually lifted me suddenly felt flat, like it had lost its magic.
My body was tense, my throat tight, and I couldn’t even swallow.
My chest felt heavy, my mind was racing, my vision blurred — and that’s when I realised I hadn’t breathed properly for what felt like forever.
It wasn’t weakness.
It wasn’t “just stress.”
It was my nervous system begging for calm.
When it started happening more than once, I remember thinking, “What is this?!!!”
That was the moment I learned: stress isn’t just mental — it’s deeply physical.
If we ignore the whispers, our body eventually shouts.
And when it does, those shouts can get very loud.
(This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend brands I genuinely love.)
So, What Is Stress — Really?
Stress is your body’s survival system.
It’s the same hormonal rush that once helped us run from danger — now triggered by emails, WhatsApps, bills, debts, deadlines, or arguments at home (probably about money these days).
In small bursts, stress is helpful. But when it lingers, it reshapes your thoughts, your sleep, even your digestion.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” — Anne Lamott
Stress isn’t your enemy — it’s a message from your body that something needs your attention.
Sometimes, just lighting a candle is enough.
🕯️ It’s your brain’s cue that work is done — your switch-off, your signal to breathe again.
✅ Take the 2-Minute “Stress or Anxiety?” Self-Check
You might be wondering: “Do I have anxiety or am I just stressed?”
Here’s a quick guide to help you notice the difference.
You might be stressed if…
- The feeling passes once the situation ends.
- You can still sleep, eat, and concentrate (even if just barely).
- A walk, rest, or chat helps you reset.
You might be experiencing anxiety if…
- The tension lingers even when life is calm.
- Your heart races or you feel nauseous for no clear reason.
- You zone out, bite your nails or cheeks, or constantly check your pulse.
- You even worry about worrying.
If that sounds like you — you’re not alone.
Many live in the blurred space between stress and anxiety.
Awareness is the first step toward balance.
The Hidden Physical Symptoms of Stress
From our community stories — and maybe yours too — these signs appear again and again:
- Shaking or trembling hands
- Nail-biting, lip-biting, or cheek-biting
- Racing heartbeat
- Feeling hot, dizzy, or nauseous
- Zoning out or feeling “not real” (depersonalisation)
- Loss of appetite or eating without hunger
- Restless sleep
- Tight shoulders, jaw, or stomach
💬 “I used to think I was just cold — but my hands were shaking from anxiety.”
💬 “I felt sick every morning until I realised it was stress, not a virus.”
You’re not broken — your body is communicating.
“Your body keeps the score. If you listen to it, you’ll hear the story before it shouts.”
✅ The 5-Question Stress Test
Ask yourself honestly:
1️⃣ Do I feel tense even when nothing’s wrong?
2️⃣ Do I check my pulse or breathing often?
3️⃣ Have I lost my appetite or overeat when nervous?
4️⃣ Do I zone out or feel disconnected from reality?
5️⃣ Do I fidget, shake, or pick at my skin habitually?
If you answered “yes” to three or more — your body might be living in chronic stress mode.
This isn’t failure — it’s your signal for self-care.
Stress No More: Simple Daily Rituals to Reset
These aren’t quick fixes — they’re small sensory anchors to remind your body what peace feels like again.
1️⃣ The Candlelight Switch-Off
Every evening, light a candle as your signal that the day is done.
It’s not the candle — it’s the ritual.
The gentle flame tells your body: we’re safe now.
2️⃣ The Five-Breath Reset
Place a hand on your chest and another on your stomach.
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold 2, exhale 6.
Repeat five times.
This activates your parasympathetic “calm” system.
Tip: Try it in your favourite place — a luxury candle by a quiet corner, the garden, or even the back door if it’s your only peaceful spot.
3️⃣ The Clear-a-Corner Rule
When life feels messy, don’t declutter the whole house — just one corner.
External order brings internal clarity.
4️⃣ The No-More-Autopilot Pause
Before reacting or scrolling, pause and ask:
“What do I actually need right now?”
That single question can stop an anxious spiral.
5️⃣ Journal the Release
Each night, write one line:
“Today I release…”
Worry. Guilt. Overthinking.
Acknowledging stress helps it leave your mind and body.
Practicing gratitude supports this — and prayer can too.
From the Community: Real Questions, Honest Answers
“Is shaking and crying anxiety?”
Sometimes, yes. It’s your stress response running too long. If it happens often, please reach out for professional support.
“Can you have anxiety without realising?”
Yes — many think they’re just “tired” or “sensitive” until physical symptoms show.
“How do I stop biting my nails or cheeks?”
Swap the habit instead of suppressing it — try a fidget ring, gum, or a grounding stone.
“Do I need therapy or is it just a phase?”
If your symptoms affect sleep, appetite, or relationships, talk to a professional. Asking for help is strength, not weakness.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Your Stress
Stress doesn’t define you — it informs you.
It’s not punishment; it’s a message.
When you listen with compassion instead of judgment, peace begins to return.
“My stress does not control me.
It reminds me to pause, breathe, and reflect.
I am empowered.”
Ready to Reset?
Start your own calm reset today.
💗 Get Free Stress & Calm Journal Prompts + Action Plan.
💗 Select your luxury candle – It’s your brain’s cue that work is done — your switch-off, your signal to breathe again
Your peace isn’t waiting somewhere else — it’s waiting inside you, right now. Remember, be kind to yourself and allow others to help 🌸