Stress is a shape-shifter. It doesn’t always announce itself with obvious signs like a racing heart or an overwhelming sense of panic (but when it does, oh boy). Often, it disguises itself as something you might not even recognize as stress—something you normalize as it takes a toll on your body, emotions, relationships, and overall well-being.
Let’s explore five sneaky ways stress might be showing up in your life, how you can start addressing it with compassion and care, and how somatic Reiki can make a difference.
1. Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away
Do you feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get? Chronic stress can drain your energy reserves by keeping your body in a state of hypervigilance even when you’re supposed to be resting. Over time, this can lead to burnout or even physical health issues. It's possible to not notice this if you've normalized it - it feels like how life just "is".
What to Do: I hate to break it to you, but if you're already getting 8+ hours of sleep, this probably comes down to some significant lifestyle changes. This could mean a different job (or adjustment at your job), hiring more childcare support if you have kids, confronting stressors in your relationship, moving, and so on. It could also be less dramatic - swapping out inflammatory foods for nutrient-rich foods, hydrating, taking breaks throughout your work, getting more exercise and fresh air. Adding in regular Reiki sessions can help compound your efforts, so that you get more out of the changes you are making. Breathwork and somatic movement we incorporate into your Reiki sessions can help reset your nervous system and restore your energy.
2. Tension You Don’t Notice Until It Hurts
Stress loves to hide in the body, especially in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and lower back. Over time, these areas of tension can become so “normal” that you don’t even notice them until they develop into significant discomfort or pain.
What to Do: Regularly check in with your body. Take a moment to scan for tightness or holding patterns, and gently stretch or release those areas. Utilize somatic techniques like using a wooden spoon to tap on your body to increase awareness and bloodflow. Reiki sessions can help us to identify where the tension is gathering and allow us to work strategically to promote relaxation.
3. Forgetfulness and Mental Fog
Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why? Chronic stress disrupts cognitive function, making it harder to focus, process information, and remember details. This “mental fog” can leave you feeling frustrated and disconnected from yourself.
What to Do: When stress fogs your mind, grounding practices can help. Try a short breathing exercise, go for a mindful walk in nature, or consider Reiki to help clear your mental space and regain clarity.
4. Feeling Irritated for No Apparent Reason
Stress commonly shows up as irritability, agitation, and a short fuse. If you’re snapping at loved ones, having meltdowns, or feeling unreasonably irritable, it could be your body’s way of telling you that it’s under strain and your nervous system is already chronically pushing its window of tolerance, meaning you cannot manage everyday pressures.
What to Do: Again, not a simple fix. Begin to assess the primary sources of your stress. What are the major stressors in your life and what can you do to mitigate them? Next, what are the regulating and stabilizing forces in your life? Can you add more or amplify these?
Pay attention to your emotional cues and practice self-compassion. Let yourself feel what you’re feeling without judgment. Practices like somatic awareness or guided meditation in our Reiki sessions at Somatique in Boulder, CO can help you process those emotions and soften their grip.
5. Trouble Letting Go of Small Things
When stress builds up, it can leave you feeling more reactive, holding onto small grievances or worries longer than usual. This “stickiness” makes it harder to move through the day with ease.
What to Do: Try practicing mindfulness to help you return to the present moment. Reiki and somatic work can also support emotional release, allowing you to let go of what’s weighing you down and creating space for ease and flow.
How Somatic Reiki Can Help You Manage Stress in Boulder, CO
At Somatique in Boulder, CO, I offer Reiki sessions integrated with somatic practices, breathwork, and meditation to address stress on every level. My goal is to create a space where you can reconnect with yourself, release tension, and restore balance to your body and mind.
Stress might be sneaky, but it’s no match for intentional care and the healing power of connection.