Summer is finally here, bringing the warm sunshine, longer days, and a much-needed break for many of us. While this season often feels like a breath of fresh air, it’s also an excellent time to reflect on something we might all be guilty of—pretending we’re not stressed. So, I’m getting a little vulnerable in the spirit of addressing stress instead of bottling it up.

Why I Coach: 

Years ago, I was teaching a full high school English caseload, juggling lesson plans, grading papers, and trying to be there for every one of my 142 students. On the surface, I seemed to have it all together, but inside, I was a whirlwind of anxiety and exhaustion. I kept telling myself I was fine and that I could handle it. My friends and family would ask how I was doing, and my go-to response was always, “I’m good, just busy!” But the reality was far from that.

One Friday morning, though, my body gave me a wake-up call. I ended up in the ER with chest pains that I couldn’t ignore. The doctors ran a battery of tests and concluded that, thankfully, my heart was okay. The culprit? Stress. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. It made me realize that pretending everything was fine wasn’t just unhealthy—it was dangerous.

From that point on, I committed to being more honest about my stress levels. I reevaluated my mindfulness practice, reached out for support when I needed it and learned to say no without guilt. It’s not always easy, but it’s been life-changing.

Reminder from your coach:

So, as we soak up the summer sun, I encourage you to take a moment to check in with yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t brush it aside. Talk to a friend, take a walk, or try some deep breathing exercises. Remember, acknowledging your stress is the first step to managing it.

We’re all in this together, and there’s no shame in admitting that life is just plain tough sometimes. Let’s support each other on this wellness journey, one step at a time. Here’s to a summer full of joy, relaxation, and honest conversations about how we’re really doing.

Steps you can take to complete the stress cycle:

• Start a daily 2-minute check-in practice like this one.
• Take the complimentary 21-day feel-good challenge starting July 8th. See Instagram for details.
• Reduce your stress by syncing with your cycle. Complete the class before September 19th and drop in for office hours anytime between 4 pm CST and 6 pm CST to discuss how to make cycle syncing feel even easier.