Life By Design Therapy

  Sometimes my body feels anxious before my mind does. A tight chest, a stomach that won’t settle, a racing heart out of nowhere. And I catch myself wondering, what if this could be anxiety? Anxiety doesn’t always start with spiraling thoughts. For many of us, it shows up in the body first, restlessness, tension, trouble sleeping, or a heaviness we can’t quite explain. That’s why “just calm down” rarely works. My mind might know I’m okay, but my body hasn’t caught up yet. It needs something different, grounding, breath, gentle movement, or touch to remind it that it’s safe. If your body feels on edge even when your mind seems calm, it might be anxiety showing up in its own way. And that’s not a flaw, it’s your nervous system asking for care. 🌿 💛 If this feels familiar, know you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can give you the tools and support your body needs to find steadier rhythms. Contact us today to find out more info! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-...

  I know what it’s like to live with anxiety; to feel your body tense up for no clear reason, to lie awake at night with your thoughts running in circles, or to carry that heavy sense of dread through your day. It takes me back to college during finals week. I can still remember the late nights with my roommates, trying to pull all-nighters, grabbing junk food and soda to push through, running on maybe four hours of sleep before doing it all over again. My body felt like it was in complete stress mode: exhausted, jittery, and constantly on edge. READ MORE https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/is-this-anxiety-the-subtle-signs-you-might-be-missing

  Morning anxiety can feel like it takes over before your day even begins. Your heart’s racing, your thoughts are spinning, and your body feels like it’s already in survival mode. For many people, cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, peaks right after waking up. If you pair that with a nervous system already on alert, mornings can feel overwhelming before your day even begins. That’s why body-based practices can be so powerful in the morning. Instead of pushing through or trying to “calm down” with thoughts alone, you’re giving your nervous system what it actually needs: signals of safety and regulation. The practices in this post are designed to do just that: help your body recognize the present moment, interrupt the spiral, and create a calmer baseline to start your day. Save this post to try tomorrow morning 🌿 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  Anxiety can feel different for everyone, but did you know there are clinical guidelines that help mental health professionals recognize when it’s more than everyday stress? According to the DSM-5, anxiety is marked by excessive worry that lasts most days for at least 6 months, is difficult to control, and shows up with symptoms like: 🌼 Restlessness or feeling on edge 🌼 Fatigue 🌼 Difficulty concentrating or a blank mind 🌼 Irritability 🌼 Muscle tension 🌼 Sleep disturbances Reading through these signs can be eye-opening, but it’s important to remember: this isn’t meant for self-diagnosis. Instead, it’s a way to notice patterns and give yourself permission to seek support if anxiety is taking up too much space in your life. At Life By Design Therapy™ , we specialize in somatic and holistic approaches to anxiety, helping you not only manage symptoms, but also understand and heal the root of what your body and nervous system are carrying. ✨ Do you recognize yourself in any of t...

  When anxiety hits in the moment, it can feel overwhelming, like your body has taken over before your mind even has a chance to catch up. That’s why I’ve found it helpful to have a few simple practices I can turn to right away. 🌿 Grounding brings me back into the present, reminding me that I don’t have to live in the past or the “what ifs” of the future. 🌿 Gentle movement , like stretching or walking, helps release the tension my body holds onto when I’m anxious. 🌿 Breathwork slows my heart rate and gives my brain a clear signal: “It’s safe to settle.” 🌿 Soothing touch , even something as simple as placing a hand over my heart, creates a sense of comfort and safety in my body. These aren’t about making anxiety disappear instantly, but about reminding your nervous system that you don’t have to stay stuck in high alert. One of the most powerful supports for me has been therapy, especially body-based therapy. At Life By Design Therapy™ , our therapists specialize in helping yo...

  Sometimes I notice anxiety in my body before I even realize what’s going on in my mind. My shoulders creep up toward my ears, my jaw gets tight, or I catch myself holding my breath. Have you ever felt that too? Anxiety has a way of settling into the body. Your nervous system is always scanning for cues of safety or danger, and when it thinks something’s off, it shifts you into survival mode, whether or not there’s a real threat. The tricky part? We often don’t notice it until tension has already built up. That’s why body-based ( somatic ) practices matter so much. They give us a way to check in and release what anxiety is holding onto. When I soften the space between my eyes or let my jaw unclench, I can feel my body sigh with relief. When I roll my shoulders down and away from my ears or place a hand on my chest to breathe deeply, it’s like sending my nervous system a reminder: “You’re okay right now.” Even small shifts, like tightening and then spreading your fingers, or pausin...

  Have you ever noticed your heart racing at random times, or your stomach tightening even when nothing is “wrong”? Or maybe your thoughts always seem one step ahead of you, rehearsing conversations, preparing for worst-case scenarios, or circling around a worry you just can’t shake. If so, you might wonder: Is this anxiety, or just stress? I want you to know that anxiety doesn’t wear just one face, and it doesn’t always show up as panic attacks or uncontrollable worry. Sometimes, it’s subtle, woven into your body, your thoughts, your emotions,  in ways that can leave you feeling both restless and worn out at the same time. Talk therapy can be a helpful way to slow things down. It gives you space to reflect, make sense of your experiences, and put words to the feelings that sometimes feel overwhelming. Talking things through can bring clarity and can quiet the mental noise when anxiety shows up. But anxiety doesn’t always start in your thoughts. More often than not, the very ...