From Stress to Self-Awareness by Angelia Schmerr
Something meaningful I’ve learned about my body recently is how it is constantly in a state of communication with me, especially regarding emotions and stress. For a long time, I had been experiencing tension in my shoulders and neck without really thinking about it. I assumed it was just a side effect of all the things going on in my life, but then I started paying closer attention, and I realized that this physical tension wasn’t just happening randomly. It was directly tied to my emotional state because the more stressed I became, the tighter my body felt. It was as though my body was a mirror of my inner struggles.
What surprised me the most was that even when I thought I was handling stress, my body was silently bearing the burden. I had been so focused on the mental and emotional aspects of stress—trying to manage my thoughts, control my emotions, and push through challenges—that I hadn’t given much thought to how deeply stress was affecting me physically. This realization really shifted my perspective because I began to see my body not as something to be fixed or managed only when it broke down, but as a vital partner in my overall well-being, constantly offering feedback about what was going on inside me so I could be proactive and see the signs before things began to spiral out of control.
This realization really hit me during finals week, when I was juggling so many crucial exams and assignments. One night, as I sat at my desk studying, I noticed my chest tightening and my hands getting clammy, but I hadn’t consciously registered how stressed I was. It dawned on me that my body was reacting long before my mind fully acknowledged the pressure. That was when I began to connect the dots between emotional stress and physical sensations.
Now, I’ve become more able to spot when certain thoughts or situations manifest physically in my body and have learned to take immediate action when I feel tightness creeping in. It’s less about waiting for my body to become overwhelmed with stress before reacting, and more about responding early with awareness.
One of the most helpful practices I’ve come to embrace is body scanning. I spend just a few quiet minutes each day checking in with different parts of my body by tapping them and noticing where I might be holding tension. The key isn’t just to stretch or release the tension, but to consciously acknowledge it and ask myself what my body might be trying to tell me. Is it a result of a stressful thought I’ve been carrying? Is it from sitting in one position for too long? Has it been a long day, and my body needs a break?
The most significant practice I would recommend for anyone looking to better connect with their own body is to create regular moments of stillness and be aware of what is going on. It doesn’t need to be a formal meditation or yoga session—just moments where you pause, close your eyes, and check in with how your body is feeling. Start small by spending maybe just five minutes in the morning or before bed, and start to feel into your body. Notice where you’re holding tension and maybe journal about it to help you understand exactly what your body is feeling. Then, ask yourself how you can support those areas—whether it’s stretching, relaxing your jaw, or breathing deeply. This is a way to remind you that your body is not something separate from you—it’s an essential part of who you are, and it’s always trying to communicate with you, if you’re willing to listen.
To learn more about our monthly meetings with the Hey, I’m Here Squad and ways to tap into your body and emotions, head over to our social media:
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Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)