The Hidden Toll of Stress on Your Body — and How Self-Care and Play Can Heal It

Stress has become such a constant part of modern life that we often forget to question its impact. We push through the tension headaches, restless sleep, and low energy, assuming it's just part of being busy or ambitious. But science tells a different story: chronic stress affects nearly every system in the body, from our immune response to heart health. The good news? With small, intentional shifts — like self-care and joyful activities — we can begin to undo the damage. Here’s how stress shows up in the body, and what you can do to reclaim your health.