If your body feels tight, your thoughts won’t stop, and you can’t seem to relax, you’re not making it up. Many people feel these symptoms every day without realising what they’re really experiencing is anxiety. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And yes, there are safe, gentle ways forward.

What These Physical Feelings Are Really Telling You

That tightness in your chest, the aching tension in your shoulders, and the constant loop of thoughts in your head — they’re not random. These are often the body’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed.”

When anxiety builds up, it doesn’t just stay in your mind. It moves into your body:

  • Your chest tightens because your breathing becomes shallow.
  • Your shoulders tense as your body braces for “danger.”
  • Your thoughts race because your nervous system is on high alert.

These are real, physical responses to stress. They are common signs of anxiety.

Why Anxiety Shows Up in the Body

Anxiety is a survival response. It’s your body’s built-in alarm system, preparing you to fight, flee, or freeze in response to threat. But when your body stays in that state for too long, even when there’s no clear danger, it starts to wear you down

Your brain sends signals like:

  • “What if something bad happens?”
  • “I need to be ready.”
  • “I can’t let my guard down.”

And your body responds. Fast heartbeat. Tight chest. Tense muscles. Racing thoughts. Over time, this constant state of alertness can leave you feeling exhausted, disconnected, or even physically unwell.

Could It Be Anxiety? Here’s How to Tell

It’s not always easy to know if it’s anxiety or something else. But if you often feel:

  • Restless, jittery, or on edge
  • Like you can’t take a full breath
  • A constant tension in your neck, shoulders, or jaw
  • That your thoughts are moving too fast to slow down
  • Or that you’re stuck in a loop of “what ifs”

It’s worth exploring the possibility of anxiety. Many clients have lived with these feelings for years before they realised what was actually going on. Awareness is the first step.

What Can You Do Right Now?

If this all feels familiar, you don’t have to wait for things to get worse. There are gentle, body-focused steps you can take right now to start feeling better.

Try This:

  • Slow your breathing: Breathe in for 4, out for 6. Repeat gently for 2–3 minutes.
  • Drop your shoulders: Notice the tension. Let them fall.
  • Name what you feel: “My chest feels tight.” Naming it helps your brain feel safer.
  • Ground yourself: Press your feet into the floor. Feel the contact. Be here, not in the “what ifs.”

These simple actions can begin to calm your system, even in moments of discomfort. Small steps matter.

What if You’ve Already Tried Help?

It’s okay if this isn’t your first time reaching out. Maybe other approaches felt too clinical, too fast, or too impersonal. I hear that often. At our practice, we focus on care and understanding. Not pressure. Not quick fixes. The goal isn’t to “get rid” of anxiety overnight. It’s to help you feel more safe, grounded, and in control, at your own pace.

Ready to Talk?

There’s no pressure to commit. Just a simple conversation where you can share what’s going on, and I’ll help guide you through what could work best. Many people feel a shift just by being heard. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s talk.