While short-term stress can be helpful, chronic stress is toxic. Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels harms your immune system, gut, and heart, increasing the risk of serious illness. This post explores why recognising limits, letting go of the impossible, and choosing rest isn’t weakness, but wisdom. Stress is a signal, not a flaw. When we learn to listen, we don’t just survive, but protect our health and reclaim our strength.

Fidgeting, overeating, nail-biting — these behaviours aren’t flaws. They’re the body’s early stress signals, offering a chance to respond with compassion. Backed by research like Damasio’s somatic marker theory, this blog explores how noticing these signs — in ourselves or our children — can spark connection and healing. Stress isn’t the enemy; disconnection is. When we respond with empathy and curiosity, we turn stress into a shared strength. Let’s learn to listen — and lean

A study found that stress isn’t the killer. Your belief about stress is. Those with high stress and a belief it was harmful had a 43% higher risk of early death. But stressed individuals who saw it as non-harmful had the best health outcomes. Why? Because stress also releases oxytocin — the "connection hormone" — which fosters empathy and bonding. When you face stress with others, you don’t just survive, but you actually grow stronger, together.

Not all fear is a foe. This video invites you to honour fear as a guide, using music, presence, and kindness to reclaim your power.

Real self-care isn’t spa days or scented candles. It’s boundaries, honesty, and choosing what truly nourishes you, even when it’s hard.