23/01/2026
That tight feeling in your shoulders. The tension in your jaw. The knot in your stomach that won't shift.
Your body's been trying to tell you something for a while now.
Here's the thing. chronic stress doesn't just live in your mind. It lives in your muscles, your nervous system, your cells. And when we've been in survival mode for months (or years), our body forgets how to relax. It thinks tension is normal. Safe, even.
But it's not. And you know that.
So here are some genuinely simple ways to start releasing what your body's been holding onto:
🍀 Slow breathing – Not the fancy stuff. Just 4 counts in, 6 counts out. Your nervous system will thank you.
🍀 Cold water on your face – Sounds odd, but it activates your parasympathetic nervous system. Splash your face for at least 10 seconds. Feel the shift.
🍀 Gentle movement – Not a punishing workout. A slow walk, stretching, easy yoga or qigong (my personal favourite!). Let your body remember ease.
🍀 Tension release – Tense every muscle for 5 seconds, then release. Progressive muscle relaxation. Sounds simple because it is.
🍀 Warm tea, no phone – Just you, warmth, and stillness. Your nervous system needs this.
The stressed out nervous system doesn't need complicated interventions. It needs consistency, gentleness, and permission to settle.
Start with one. Notice what shifts.
With love, Jess x 🌾