The signs of stress we often ignore (until we can’t)

Stress doesn’t always show up as panic or feeling on edge. More often, it creeps in quietly, becoming part of daily life until we forget what it feels like not to be stressed.

Some of the most common signs I see in clients are the ones people tend to dismiss.

Holding tension in the body

Tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a sore lower back, many people assume this is just part of getting on with life. In reality, it’s often the body holding onto unprocessed stress.

Feeling tired but unable to rest

You might feel exhausted, yet struggle to switch off or sleep deeply. This “wired but tired” state is a sign that the nervous system is stuck in alert mode.

Shallow breathing or a sense of being rushed

When stress becomes chronic, the body forgets how to fully relax. Breathing becomes shallow, and even rest can feel uneasy.

Emotional flatness or irritability

Stress isn’t always anxious energy, sometimes it shows up as feeling numb, snappy, or disconnected from yourself.

These signs don’t mean something is wrong with you. They’re signals that your system needs support.

How my work helps

Through reflexology and massage, I help the body move out of constant stress response and into a state where it can settle and recover.

Reflexology works deeply with the nervous system, supporting whole-body balance and calm.

Massage helps release the physical tension where stress is often stored.

Together, they offer a way to rest that goes beyond switching off your phone or collapsing on the sofa.

Many people come not because they’ve hit burnout, but because they don’t want to.

Supporting your body to rest properly is not indulgent. It’s one of the most practical things you can do for your long-term wellbeing.