I used to think I wasn’t a “stressed” person.

You might feel the same. You’re juggling a lot—maybe you’re a parent, growing a business, showing up for your community, voluteering, or doing all of the above. Your calendar is full, your days are busy, and still, you feel fine. Focused. Motivated. Energized.

But then—something shifts.

For me, it was my Oura Ring that revealed the truth my body had been holding all along.

My Nervous System Was Not Fine

For weeks, my data showed consistently elevated stress levels. Even on days I felt calm. It was a wake-up call I didn’t know I needed: just because your mind feels "fine," doesn’t mean your body isn’t waving a red flag.

What I’ve learned (and am still learning) is this: the nervous system doesn’t lie. It speaks through subtle signs—heart rate variability, temperature changes, recovery scores—and when it's on high alert too often, it can lead to burnout, inflammation, and even long-term chronic issues.

So I went down the science rabbit hole and here’s what I found out…

Stress 101: The Brain-Body Loop

Our bodies are wired to handle stress. It’s how we survived predators, deadlines, toddler tantrums, and group texts.

But the problem today? We don’t come down.

Here's the science:

CORTISOL, our main stress hormone, rises when the brain perceives a threat—anything from running late to getting a passive-aggressive email.
THE AUTOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM kicks into “fight-or-flight” mode, elevating heart rate, tightening muscles, and sharpening our senses.
WITHOUT PROPER DOWN-REGULATION, we get stuck in a sympathetic loop—wired, tired, and running on fumes.
OVER TIME, chronic stress affects everything from gut health and immune function to sleep, hormones, and even cellular aging.

And the kicker? You might not feel “stressed”—but your nervous system still might be operating like you're being chased by a bear.

So What Do We Do? Enter: Micro-Moments of Down-Regulation

You don’t need to book a 3-day retreat in the woods (though that sounds amazing). The real magic happens in the tiny moments—little nervous system resets that tell your body, “You’re safe. You’re okay. You can chill now.”

Easy Ways to De-Stress During the Day:

1. Box Breathing (1 minute)
Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat. Navy SEALS use this. So can you.

2. Go Outside (5-10 minutes)
Natural light resets your circadian rhythm and just 10 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels.

3. Cold Water on Your Face or Hands
Stimulates the vagus nerve and signals calm to the parasympathetic system. Try it after emails.

4. Shake It Out (literally)
Animals shake off stress after danger. Dance, bounce, wiggle—just move to release.

5. 30-Second Body Scan
Pause and ask: Where am I holding tension? Can I soften my shoulders or jaw?

6. Look at Something Far Away
Eyes fixated on screens keep us in “zoom” mode. Looking at distant objects helps reset your nervous system.

7. Humming, Singing, or Chanting
Stimulates the vagus nerve and shifts you into a more restful state. Bonus: instant mood boost.

8. Hand on Heart
Simple and powerful. A hand to your chest while breathing deeply tells your system: I’m safe.

9. Sip Something Warm Slowly
Herbal tea, hot lemon water—something about the ritual slows you down and grounds you.

10. Laugh. Often.
Even fake laughing (seriously) can trigger endorphins and reduce stress hormones.

Final Thoughts: Listen Inward, Even When You Feel "Fine"

I’m still busy. I still wear all the hats. But now I’m carving out these micro-moments as non-negotiables. They’re not luxuries. They’re maintenance.

Because stress doesn’t just live in our calendars—it lives in our cells. And if we want to show up for all the roles we play, we have to show up for our nervous systems too.

So here’s your gentle reminder:

Your body might be asking for a break—even when your mind isn’t.
Let’s listen.

The Stress You Can’t Feel—but Your Body Can