The Many Faces of Stress:

How It Shows Up and What It’s Trying to Teach Us (Whether We Like It or Not)

I’ve been dealing with stress and anxiety for half my life, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that stress is a shape-shifter. It doesn’t just settle into one form and let you get used to it—oh no. That would be too easy. One day it’s weighing me down like I’m carrying a sack of potatoes, and the next, it’s buzzing around my head like a swarm of caffeinated crazed bees. It’s as if stress has a flair for the dramatic, showing up in costume every time it knocks on my door.

Honestly, at this point, I’ve seen all its disguises. Heavy stress, overthinking stress, fog stress—the whole lineup. Each type of stress brings its own quirky personality and, surprisingly, a little life lesson (which I’m usually too frazzled to appreciate in the moment).

So, for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re fighting off a new kind of stress every other day, let’s break down its many faces and what each one is trying to teach us—whether we like it or not.

This one is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the weight of the world on your shoulders, the feeling that you’re carrying everything alone. You try to move forward, but every step feels like dragging a giant bag of potatoes. Except these potatoes are your endless to-do list, every worry and every “should” you’ve piled onto yourself.

What it’s trying to tell you: You’re not a pack mule. Drop some of those potatoes! You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Sometimes, letting go means admitting you need a break or asking someone to share the load with you. Remember, even the strongest muscles have their limits.

Buzzing Stress

Buzzing stress is like a swarm of bees chasing you, filling your head with a constant hum of anxiety. It’s that jittery, restless energy that makes you feel like everything needs to happen RIGHT NOW. Your thoughts zip around, bouncing off each other like caffeinated ping-pong balls.

What it’s trying to tell you: Slow down, busy bee. First, stop swatting at those thoughts—they’re only thoughts, after all. Take a moment to breathe and ground yourself. Try planting your feet on the floor and telling yourself, “I’m not running a marathon; I’m just trying to survive Tuesday.” Works wonders.

Overthinking Stress

Oh, the classic. This is when your mind feels like it’s turned into a giant scribble, looping and swirling with “what ifs” and “I should haves.” Overthinking is exhausting. It’s like running a marathon in your brain without ever getting to the finish line.

What it’s trying to tell you: Write it out. Sometimes, spilling those tangled thoughts onto a piece of paper can make it feel like you’re untangling that mental mess. And remember, thoughts are just thoughts, not facts.

Sticky Stress

This is the stress that feels like you’ve walked into a spider’s web, and now you’re stuck, unable to move freely. It clings to you, keeping you trapped in a cycle of repetitive thoughts or fears.

What it’s trying to tell you: You don’t have to solve everything all at once. One small movement at a time. When you’re stuck, don’t try to sprint forward; just focus on one tiny action to break the grip. Even a small step can start loosening that sticky feeling.

Ghost Stress

This one’s sneaky—it’s the stress that hides in the background, haunting you even when you’re trying to ignore it. It’s the lurking anxiety that appears without a clear reason, like a phantom in the back of your mind.

What it’s trying to tell you:  Face it. Acknowledge it’s there, name what’s haunting you, and give yourself permission to feel it. Sometimes, when we face the ghost, it loses its power over us.

Shadow Stress

Shadow stress follows you around, casting doubt on everything you do. It’s the nagging sense that something’s wrong, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it.

What it’s trying to tell you: Shadows are just that—shadows. They only exist because there’s light. Try focusing on something positive in your life, no matter how small. Remind yourself that despite the shadow, there’s something bright to hold on to.

Rabbit Hole Stress

This is the stress that starts as a small worry but quickly spirals out of control. One thought leads to another, and before you know it, you’re in a dark, swirling vortex of panic. It’s like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, except this Wonderland is full of worst-case scenarios.

What it’s trying to tell you: Interrupt the spiral. Notice when you’re about to go down that rabbit hole, and do something physical—stand up, shake it out, or get outside for a quick walk. Shifting your physical state can help snap your brain out of its downward spiral.

Fog Stress

With fog stress, everything feels cloudy. Decisions? Impossible. Concentration? A distant memory. It’s like your brain has wrapped itself in a thick layer of fog, making it hard to see a clear path forward.

What it’s trying to tell you: Take it easy. Foggy days aren’t the time for grand plans. This stress is your mind’s way of asking for a break. So take it slow and give yourself permission to wander through the haze. Don’t pressure yourself to see everything clearly right away.

Stress is always going to show up, but that doesn’t mean it has to steal the show. Once you start recognizing its different forms, you realize it’s not here to ruin your life (even if it feels that way). It’s here to nudge you, in its slightly obnoxious way, to slow down, breathe, and maybe even laugh at the absurdity of it all.

So, the next time stress shows up in one of its dramatic disguises, don’t let it throw you. Remember, you’ve already got everything you need to face it. Life is messy, stressful, and beautiful all at once, and with a bit of self compassion and patience, you’re more than ready to handle it all. Even if it means inviting stress for a cup of tea - and then telling it politely (or not) to find the door.

Creative Challenge: Stress Map

Stress doesn’t just live in our minds—it shows up in our bodies too. This week, let’s explore where stress resides and how we can gently release it using art. Instructions:

1. Start with Your Body Outline: Draw a simple outline of a body on your paper—it doesn’t have to be perfect. This figure represents you.

2. Locate Your Stress: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Ask yourself: Where am I feeling my stress today? Maybe it’s a tightness in your chest, buzzing in your head, or a weight in your shoulders.

3. Give Stress a Colour and Texture: Assign a colour, pattern, or texture to each type of stress you feel. For example:

Buzzing Stress: Bright yellow zigzags in your head.

Heavy Stress: Dark, heavy blocks in your chest or back.

Sticky Stress: Pale gray webbing around your hands or feet.

4. Fill the Map: Using your colours and patterns, mark on your body outline where you feel each kind of stress. You might see your “stress map” taking shape—a visual representation of how stress lives in you.

5. Add Release Zones: Find one spot on the page to include calming elements. This could be a soothing colour, soft waves, or a simple word like "breathe." Let it remind you that peace is always present, even in small moments.

6. Finish with Movement: Look at your stress map and ask yourself: What does my body need right now? Maybe it’s stretching, deep breathing, or simply resting your hand on your chest to bring calm. Let your art guide your next step. Why This Works

This exercise helps you externalize your stress and become more aware of how it’s affecting you. By naming and visualizing it, you can begin to release it. It also connects your emotions to your physical body, creating a holistic way to process stress.