Recognizing chronic stress: You might feel constantly on edge, irritable, or physically exhausted. Chronic stress can affect sleep, digestion, mood, and even memory. It builds up when rest isn’t accessible or prioritized.
How systemic and cultural factors shape stress: Many BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and first-gen individuals carry layered stress from navigating systems that aren’t built for their thriving. Caregiving, workplace bias, and generational trauma can all contribute.
Regulation tools:
- Short grounding exercises like breathwork or tapping
- Setting micro-boundaries (e.g., 10-min breaks, no work texts after 7pm)
- Gentle movement or stretching
- Checking in with your body and needs
Small shifts that help: You don’t need a full day off to experience relief. Even a few minutes of intentional rest or self-compassion can start to shift your nervous system.
Therapy as a place to release and rebuild: In therapy, you can explore what’s underneath the stress, identify what’s within your control, and learn tools to feel more resourced in your daily
life.
