Stress isn’t the enemy. In short bursts, stress is adaptive… it helps us respond, focus, and protect ourselves. The problem isn’t stress itself, but when it never completes its cycle and becomes a constant state of being.

Stress turns chronic when we push through instead of pause, ignore our body’s signals, and stay stuck in past regrets or future fears. When the nervous system never receives the message that the moment has passed, stress gets stored instead of being released.

Preventing chronic stress begins with listening. Noticing early signs, tight shoulders, shallow breathing, irritability, or racing thoughts,  gives us a chance to respond before stress overwhelms us. Pausing, slow breathing, and gentle movement help the body reset and complete the stress response.

Equally important is asking, what do I actually need right now? Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s action. Stress decreases when our choices come from awareness instead of pressure.

Reducing stress often means letting go of unnecessary obligations, old habits, and the belief that more doing equals more worth. Balance returns when we stop doing what pulls us away from ourselves.

•    Stress becomes chronic when we don’t listen.
•    Stress resolves when we respond.

Let’s talk about this at the next Wednesday talk on February 4th