When Stress Sticks Around

Stress is meant to come and go. But when the stress response stays switched on, it starts to show up in our bodies and our lives. It tends to follow one of two patterns.

Speed-up pattern

- Trouble sleeping, or waking up already wired

- Digestive issues: a stomach that's frequently tight or upset

- Irritability, snapping at people you care about

- Reaching for a substance or addiction to take the edge off

Shut-down pattern

- Exhaustion that sleep doesn't seem to fix

- Emotional flatness or numbness

- Withdrawing from people, avoiding things you'd normally do

- Feeling foggy, unable to concentrate or make decisions

Recognize yourself here? Start in the To Notice aisle below to build awareness. If you're in a speed-up pattern, visit To Settle. If you're in a shut-down pattern, visit To Lift.

These practices support your well-being but don't replace care from a doctor or mental health professional. If these patterns feel persistent or overwhelming, please reach out to one.

These practices are not a quick fix. They work the way training a muscle works: a little, often. Each video jumps right into the practice, so you can press play and begin. There is no one right way to use them. Try each one, notice what shifts, and come back to the ones that help.