A few weeks ago, I finally picked up The Body Keeps the Score. I had heard about it for years, but it always felt too heavy for the season I was in. Then the other evening after a day filled with the normal ups and downs of family life, I curled up and started the first chapter.
Almost immediately, I felt something familiar. The book describes how the body stores our experiences and speaks long before we consciously notice what is happening. As I read, I noticed my own shoulders drop, as if my body was saying, You see, I have been trying to tell you this for ages.
We as parents live like this all the time. Our minds race to keep up with the demands of the day, while our bodies have been whispering the truth all along. Parenting stress is real, and your nervous system tries to support you every step of the way. Listening to these signals is not indulgent or selfish. It is a gentle kind of self-care that helps you stay steady and capable.
Which Physical Signs Should Parents Pay Attention To?
Stress doesn't always start with big feelings. It often begins in the body, in tiny shifts that are easy to overlook. A tight jaw during the morning rush. A heavy feeling in your stomach as you think about tomorrow’s to do list.
Every parent has their own stress pattern. These are some of the most common nervous system cues.
Tension that seems to appear out of nowhere
Stiff shoulders or a clenched jaw often show up before you feel “stressed”.
Changes in breathing
Shallow breaths might appear even when nothing dramatic is happening. It is a sign your system is under pressure.
Feeling foggy or disconnected
Many parents describe this as drifting during conversations or losing a train of thought.
A quick or fluttery heartbeat
Your heart often responds first, especially during transitions.
These cues are not necessarily warnings that something is wrong. But they are definitely invitations to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
How Can You Learn to Hear Your Body’s Early Whispers?
You do not need a daily meditation practice (although it's not a bad idea). Try starting small.
Ask one gentle question: What is my body saying right now?
You can do this anywhere, even in the midst of chaos.
Try a 10 second body scan
Move your attention slowly from your forehead to your chest and stomach. Notice without fixing.
Place a hand on your chest
This small movement often brings your breath back to a slower, more settled rhythm.
Anchor yourself in the room
Look for one color, one shape, and one texture around you. This helps bring your mind back into the present.
These are tiny moments of self-support. Your body responds quickly to even the smallest kindness.
A last tip - I love insights timer (free) for quick meditations to use during the day. https://insighttimer.com/