Stress is an unavoidable part of life.
Whether it’s work deadlines, kids spilling Legos right after you’ve cleaned up, or burning dinner on the stove—stress happens.
But what happens when stress doesn’t leave your body?
That’s when stress turns chronic, affecting your health, mood, and overall well-being.
I’m sharing a lesson I learned after dealing with a disappointing situation and seeking advice from my coach.
She introduced me to the concept of the stress cycle, and it completely shifted the way I process stress.
The Problem: Why Holding onto Stress Is Harmful
In the book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Amelia and Emily Nagoski, the authors explain that stress isn’t just in your mind—it lives in your body.
And if we don’t actively complete the stress cycle, our bodies stay in a constant state of tension, which can lead to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Increased anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances
You can’t always avoid stress, but you can move through it in a healthy way.
The Solution: How to Complete the Stress Cycle
So, how do you actually release stress instead of holding onto it?
Here are four proven ways to help your body process stress and move on.
1. Move Your Body
Physical activity is one of the best ways to signal to your body that stress is over.
This doesn’t mean you have to do a full workout—simple movements work too:
- Take a short walk
- Stretch for five minutes
- Have a dance party with the latest Beyonce or Taylor Swift
Movement tells your body you’re safe and allows you to physically release built-up tension.
2. Have a Good Cry
Yep, crying is actually healthy!
Crying is your body’s way of processing emotions.
If you’ve ever felt better after crying through a movie (The Notebook, anyone?), that’s because your body is releasing stress.
So, if you need a cry, let it out.
No shame here! Even if it’s the Little Mermaid.
3. Laugh More
Laughter literally lowers stress hormones and increases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
A quick way to boost your mood is by watching something funny:
- Stand-up comedy (I personally love Gabriel Iglesias)
- Funny YouTube videos
- A feel-good sitcom episode
Laughter is a powerful way to complete the stress cycle and shift your mood quickly.
4. Lean Into Your Support System
As humans, we’re wired for connection.
When you share your stress with a trusted friend, receive a hug from a loved one, or even just talk it out with someone, it signals to your brain that you’re safe and supported.
If you’re feeling stuck in stress, reach out to your people—whether it’s your spouse, best friend, or community.
A Lesson from Nature: Why Dogs Handle Stress Better Than We Do
My coach gave me a great analogy that stuck with me.
She talked about her dog—every time the Amazon truck pulls up, her dog freaks out, barking like it’s the biggest threat in the world.
Even when they go on walks, the dog is constantly on edge.
But as soon as they come back inside, the dog shakes it off—literally.
That little shake lets the dog’s body know, “Okay, the danger is gone. I’m safe now.”
Our bodies need the same cue!
Whether it’s moving, laughing, crying, or hugging, completing the stress cycle tells your body that the stress is over, and you can move on.
You’re Safe. You’re Okay. You Can Let Go.
If you’ve been carrying a lot of stress, I want to remind you: you don’t have to hold onto it.
Let yourself feel your feelings.
Then, give your body the signal that it’s safe.
Find what works for you:
Move your body.
Laugh more.
Have a cry when you need it.
Hug your people or your fur baby.
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