Why You Feel “Off” Lately: How Stress & Mood Are Deeply Connected
Hi friend,
Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything feels just a little off? You’re not sick, but you’re not exactly well. You feel anxious for no reason. You’re more tired than usual, maybe a little irritable. Your thoughts feel foggy, and even small things feel overwhelming.
If you’re nodding along, I want you to know:
You're not being dramatic.
You're not weak.
And you're definitely not alone.
What you’re feeling might actually be your body’s quiet way of asking for support.
When Your Body Is Tired, Your Mind Feels It Too
Many women I work with say things like:
“I thought I was just tired… but I’m starting to realize something deeper is going on.”
“I don’t even recognize myself anymore.”
“I’m fine one minute and snapping the next. I hate it.”
Here’s something most of us were never taught:
When your body is under stress, especially the kind that builds slowly over time, your mind carries it, too.
Chronic fatigue, low energy, anxious thoughts, low motivation, a general feeling of being “off”… these can all be signs that your nervous system is overwhelmed.
It’s not just in your head.
It’s not just your hormones.
It’s your whole self trying to be heard.
How Inflammation Affects Your Mood (Even If You Don’t Know You Have It)
Even if you've never been diagnosed with chronic inflammation, you might still be feeling the effects of it. Many women over 45 experience low-grade, lingering symptoms without realizing the connection.
Here’s what might be happening beneath the surface:
Your body is tired from years of stress, burnout, or pushing through
Your digestion may be sluggish or sensitive
Your sleep might feel less restorative
Your mood is more reactive, and your patience feels thin
When the body is tense or overworked, even in subtle ways, it sends signals to your brain. You may feel foggy, flat, emotional, or out of sync with yourself.
And when those signals pile up, it becomes harder to show up fully in your life… and even harder to know where to begin healing.
Gentle Daily Practices That Help
The good news?
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life.
Here are a few things I’ve been leaning into and what I share with my clients when things feel heavy or chaotic:
1. Start Your Morning Without Noise
Leave your phone on airplane mode for the first 30 minutes. Breathe. Stretch. Sip something warm. Let your nervous system wake up gently.
2. Eat Something That Feels Good (Not Just ‘Healthy’)
Nourishment is more than nutrients. Choose meals that feel calming, not complicated. (My Creamy Chickpea Avocado Sandwich has been on repeat lately.)
3. Move Gently, Not Just Intentionally
This isn’t about workouts, it’s about movement that brings you back to yourself. Try a walk. A slow yoga flow. Or a stretch while your tea steeps.
4. Name How You Feel - Out Loud or On Paper
Naming your emotions helps your body let go of the tension it’s holding. It might be as simple as:
“I feel foggy today, and that’s okay.”
“I feel tight in my chest, and I’m giving myself space to soften.”
You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Carrying A Lot.
Sometimes the mood swings, the irritability, the heaviness… they’re not about doing more. They’re your body’s invitation to do less, and to tune into what you really need.
You don’t need to fix yourself.
You need to be with yourself.
I share cozy healing rituals, gentle practices, and real-life wellness inspiration each day over on Instagram. If you’re looking for reminders to slow down and reconnect, I’d love for us to stay connected there.
→ Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration and cozy healing rituals.
With care,
Diana
