When Stress Takes Over: How My Body Forced Me to Slow Down

Last week, I had an experience unlike anything I remember: my body gave up on me. It was as if my body said, "Brother, you’re on your own—I’m out."

Why?

It all started on Monday night during an argument with my partner. Looking back, it was over something trivial, but in the moment, it felt significant. I’m usually pretty good at letting people know when something bothers me, but I often carry the deeper sadness, worry, and anger inside without expressing it.

Then came Tuesday. I couldn’t get out of bed. It felt like I had just been punched by a boxer or had run a 42-kilometer marathon. My body was unresponsive—there was pain in my chest, arms, hips, and legs. At that moment, I didn’t connect it to the argument from the night before. I thought it was some kind of flu coming on, especially since the weather had been changing rapidly.

Even my Garmin watch confirmed it: "You’re damn stressed, take a break." My usual resting heart rate, which I’m proud of (an average of 52), shot up to 90 with just the slightest movement.

I was ready to cancel my trip to Buenos Aires to visit family. I decided to give it one day to see how things evolved, all the while knowing I needed to make peace with my partner.

By the following day, I expected flu symptoms, but none came. The pain in my body had reduced significantly, although it hadn't completely disappeared. Now, as I write this, the pain is finally gone, and I’m starting to see my stress levels return to normal.

So what happened?

This is more common than we think. Our bodies constantly send us signals when something isn’t right, but we often fail to notice because we’re not paying enough attention. In my case, the stress from that argument—and probably others in the past—built up until my body couldn’t handle it anymore, forcing me to slow down.

Looking back, this wasn’t the first time I’ve felt this way, although never quite so intensely. Now that I’m reflecting on it, I realize that I’ve experienced similar things before—perhaps not as severe, but still unsettling.

When we experience stress, our brain triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, which is helpful in short bursts but harmful when sustained over time.

Prolonged stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, which can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and even depression. Over time, this chronic stress impacts physical health by increasing inflammation, raising blood pressure, and weakening the immune system. It’s why stress can leave us feeling physically exhausted, with symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, and even chest pain, as the body tries to cope with the ongoing strain.

Lesson Learned

Don’t let things accumulate. The small stressors we dismiss as unimportant can build up, and eventually, they take a toll on both our mind and body. Here are a few strategies I’m learning to use, and maybe they can help you too:

1. Address Problems Early: Even small conversations can help clear up misunderstandings or assumptions before they fester. If something bothers you, bring it up early—don’t wait until it’s too late or until it builds up inside. Small moments of honesty can prevent big breakdowns later.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Being present and mindful of how you’re feeling, both emotionally and physically, is key. Pay attention to subtle signs your body gives you—fatigue, tension, irritability. These are early indicators of stress, and catching them can help prevent a larger issue. Simple mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or body scans, can help you tune into your body and calm your mind.
3. Set Boundaries and Take Breaks: Sometimes, it’s as simple as saying "no" or taking a moment to step away. Overcommitting or pushing through without rest can build stress that sneaks up on you. Taking regular breaks—even short ones—can help reset your mind and give your body the rest it needs.
4. Exercise and Movement: Physical movement is one of the best ways to relieve stress and prevent it from accumulating. It doesn’t have to be intense—simple activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can make a huge difference. Movement helps release built-up tension in the body and promotes a clearer, more focused mind.
5. Seek Support: Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or professional help, having someone to talk to can be a powerful way to relieve stress. Sometimes, just verbalizing what you’re feeling takes a weight off your shoulders and helps you gain perspective.
6. Make Time for Self-Care: Whether it’s reading, meditating, or spending time doing something you love, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing yourself regularly ensures you’re recharging mentally and physically, rather than running on empty.

To Conclude

By making these small adjustments in how we approach our daily lives, we can prevent stress from overwhelming us. It’s about being proactive, tuning in to ourselves, and giving our bodies and minds the care they need before things spiral out of control.

Now, your turn—have you experienced this in the past? What did it feel like for you? I’d love to read your comments below.