Stress isn’t just “in your head.” It’s a whole-body response shaped by evolution, biology, and daily life — especially in times of uncertainty. When we talk about stress, what we’re really talking about is how your nervous system responds to perceived challenges — whether it’s something immediate like a deadline or ongoing like political, economic, or social pressure. Understanding why your body reacts the way it does is one of the most empowering steps toward feeling more gr

Sometimes people wonder whether what they’re feeling is stress or anxiety. Stress is usually tied to a specific circumstance — a deadline, a conflict, or a life event. Anxiety can feel more persistent and may continue even when the stressor isn’t present. Both can feel uncomfortable, and both impact the same body systems — but understanding the difference can help you choose the right strategies and support.

By using calming techniques and fostering social connection, we can return to a state of calm and reestablish balance in our nervous system. Polyvagal Theory suggests that these responses are governed by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), specifically the vagus nerve, which regulates physiological states of arousal. The theory posits that our ANS operates on a continuum from safety to danger, and the body shifts between states of calm and activation based on perceived threat