Life as a mom is a whirlwind of emotions, responsibilities, and daily challenges. Juggling it all, we often find ourselves facing stress head-on, whether it’s from parenting, work, or the demands of daily life. But here’s the thing – stress is not just a feeling; it’s a complex system involving stressors and how our body responds. Let’s dive into the friendly world of understanding this intricate dance between stressors and stress.

Stress vs. Stressors: Closing the Loop

Ever felt like you’ve tackled the stressor but still find yourself overwhelmed? It might be because the stress cycle isn’t complete. Picture this – your nervous system is stuck in fight or flight, unable to transition to the rest and digest mode. Why? Because it doesn’t feel safe enough to close the loop.

Avoid closing the stress cycle, and your body stays in a constant state of fight or flight. Stress hormones are released, non-essential systems like reproduction and digestion take a pause, and your body prepares to face an imminent threat. Prolonged exposure to this state has consequences. Your body communicates through symptoms, telling you something’s not right.

Listening to Your Body: Somatic Awareness

Our bodies are incredible communicators, always trying to send us messages. The problem is, we’re often too busy or disconnected to listen. Ignoring these signals doesn’t make them go away; it amplifies them. The more we dismiss our body’s cues, the louder they get, manifesting as worsening symptoms.

In my own journey, I faced gut and skin issues, chronic pain, brain fog, and anxiety. My body was desperately trying to communicate, but I kept silencing the messenger instead of hearing the message. Learning how to close the stress cycle allowed my symptoms to vanish.

Four Main Stressors Moms Face

1. Suppressed Emotions: Holding in emotions leads to burnout. Embrace emotional hygiene, allowing yourself to release frustration, anger, and sadness in a healthy way.
2. Lack of Boundaries: Being a perpetual people-pleaser without boundaries is a recipe for burnout. Learn to say no to avoid unnecessary stress.
3. Perceived Stress: Distinguish between actual threats and perceived stress. High alert for non-threatening situations can throw you into fight or flight due to past trauma.
4. Chronic Stress Impact: The cumulative impact of chronic stress, known as allostatic load, affects mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s crucial to address these stressors.

Common Symptoms – Your Body’s SOS Signals

1. Pain and Tension: Chronic constriction and bracing result in shoulder, neck, back pain, headaches, and jaw tension.
2. Weakened Immune System: Chronic stress suppresses the immune system, leading to frequent colds and infections.
3. Sleep Issues and Fatigue: Prolonged sympathetic state and poor vagus nerve tone contribute to sleep problems and exhaustion.

Remember, frequent occurrences of these symptoms may be common, but they’re not normal. Your body is sending a message – it’s time to pay attention, slow down, and prioritize self-care.

Listening, Not Fixing

Instead of the quick fixes I used to pursue, try listening to your body. Be curious, notice the signals, and pay attention to what it’s telling you. If you’re ready to take a bold step, consider joining RESTORE. It’s more than a program; it’s a community, coaching, and accountability to help you unlock the stress cycle and bring regulation to your nervous system.

Because learning how to let your nervous system operate as designed – with ebbs and flows, resilience, and a stress response that doesn’t overstay its welcome – is truly life-changing.

Moms, let’s prioritize our well-being. Your body is speaking; it’s time to listen.

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