04/06/2026
One thing that is coming up in sessions with a number of my clients is STRESS!
Whether it’s work, familial, relationship, political, physical or emotional stress. It’s been high lately. So I wanted to offer some ways to calm your stressed nervous system.
Of course I’m going to tell you that Massage is a wonderful way to help, but there are ways to help you manage your Self...Which is so important.
MASSAGE:
1. Shifts the nervous system from fight to rest mode lowering your heart rate, slowing down your breathing, and reducing muscle guarding.
2. Second, it helps lower stress hormones while boosting “feel-good” hormones. This improves your mood, lowers anxiety, and can help you sleep better.
3. Reduces muscle tension feedback loops. Where more muscular tension sends danger signals to the brain, which increases stress and leads to more muscle tension. So the body feels safer while the brain reduces stress response as the muscles relax.
4. Improves body awareness and sensory safety. This means client reconnect with their body instead of dissociating from stress, while the touch provides a sense of safety and being cared for.
ON YOUR OWN:
1. Regulate your nervous system through long exhales.
* Breathe in to a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, and exhale to a count of 8. Do this a few times until your heart rate regulates.
* Use this when anxiety spikes, after difficult conversations, and before sleep.
2. Move your body.
* Movement clears cortisol and adrenaline that gets stuck in the body.
* 10 to 20 min brisk walk outside.
* light strength training or mobility work.
* slow yoga/stretching if you’re already exhausted.
* remember, high stress needs gentle movement while agitated stress needs faster movement.
3. Reduce Mental Load. Your brain treats unfinished tasks as threats.
Daily:
* Brain dump everything on your mind (paper, not phone)
* Pick top 3 priorities only
* eliminate or delay the rest
I hope this list helps you. I know it helps me when I follow them. It can be difficult stick to some of these things as we find ourselves in holding patterns. But you got this. You deserve to feel better.
