Why Your Body Tightens When You’re Stressed (and How to Release It)

Dr. Christine Lebiecki, D.C.

Published on: 27/04/2026

We often think of stress as a mental game—racing thoughts or a long to-do list. But your nervous system speaks a physical language. That "knot" in your shoulder, the jaw clenching you don't realize you're doing, and the shallow breathing are signals that your body is stuck in survival mode.