What’s Really Stressing You Out? (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)

Stress is often seen as something external—work deadlines, family obligations, or just trying to keep up with life. But here’s the truth: what’s really stressing you out may not be what you think.

Beneath the surface, stress often stems from unaddressed emotional baggage, perfectionism, or unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves. These internal stressors simmer quietly and flare up in the face of challenges, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. So, if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I stressed about this?”—it might be time to dig deeper.

Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Stress

1. Unresolved Emotional Baggage
   Sometimes, old wounds we thought we’d left behind continue to influence how we react to everyday stressors. Whether it’s past trauma or suppressed emotions, these buried feelings can manifest as stress in your daily life. The more we avoid addressing them, the heavier the load gets.

2. Perfectionism
   The need to be perfect can cause a constant undercurrent of stress. When we set unattainable standards for ourselves, we’re in a perpetual state of anxiety, always trying to measure up. This mindset can create burnout as we chase an impossible ideal.

3. Unrealistic Expectations
   We often place overwhelming expectations on ourselves to succeed, perform, or be available 24/7. These self-imposed pressures can be even more stressful than external demands.

Mindfulness as the Key to Unraveling Stress

This is where mindfulness comes in. Through mindful awareness, we become better at recognizing the internal drivers of our stress. Mindfulness helps us get present, notice our emotional patterns, and tune into what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Here are a few mindfulness techniques to help manage these hidden stressors:

• Body Scan Meditation: This is a great way to tune into how stress is manifesting in your body. Lie down or sit comfortably, and slowly scan through each part of your body, noticing where you’re holding tension and consciously releasing it.

• Journaling: Write down your thoughts without judgment. The act of putting pen to paper helps clarify emotions that may be hard to name. Ask yourself: What am I really feeling? What triggered this? You may uncover deeper roots to your stress than you realized.

• Breathwork: Focused breathing calms the nervous system and centers the mind. Try inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6. This extended exhale helps relieve stress and allows for more clarity.

Remedies for Stress Relief: Herbal Blends

In addition to mindfulness practices, certain herbal remedies can aid in stress reduction. Here are a few worth exploring:

• Herbal Blends:

  • Ashwagandha: Known for its adaptogenic properties, this herb helps your body manage stress and lower cortisol levels.

  • Chamomile: Chamomile tea is widely known for its calming effects. It soothes the nervous system and can be a helpful evening ritual to unwind.

  • Lemon Balm: This herb has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote calm, making it a great tea to sip on during stressful times.

What’s Next for You?

Stress might feel like an inevitable part of life, but when we shift our focus to the internal drivers of stress, we can regain control. Take a moment today to reflect on what’s really stressing you out, and try incorporating one of the mindfulness techniques or herbal remedies into your routine.

If you're ready to go deeper in your journey to peace and clarity, join the free tier of my Patreon! Starting in October, we’ll be kicking off our first Soul Shift Wellness Journey. It’s designed to help you stress less, find peace amidst life’s challenges, and thrive as we enter the changing season.

This is something you can participate in from the comfort of your home, and it’s FREE to join. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks via email and on all our socials. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SoulfeelWell and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more resources and updates.

Remember, your peace is waiting—sometimes it just takes a little digging to find it.

With peace and purpose,
Romen Lang
Founder, Soulfeel Wellness