09/19/2025
Stress is a biological cycle designed to help us deal with a threat in our environment. When the stress response kicks in, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol to help you fight, flee or freeze. When the threat is over, it can relax. However, the thing about most modern stressors (work, financial trouble, relationships) don’t have a clearly defined “end point”. If our body doesn’t recognize the end of the threat…the stress hormones can stay elevated.
That’s why you can feel tense, wired, or heavy even after the stressful event is over.
Sometimes, we have to help our body recognize safety by “completing the cycle”. We can do this through movement, deep breathing, connection with someone safe or sometimes by having a really good cry.
Think of it as closing the loop so your nervous system can reset.
What’s your favorite way to “complete” the cycle? For me, it’s hitting the gym for a spin class 🚴♀️
**This account is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Content shared here is not therapy, does not constitute professional advice, and should not be used as a substitute for mental health treatment. For personalized support, please consult a licensed therapist**
| mental health support | anxiety | chronic stress | burnout | self care | therapy | stress management |
