What’s Your ‘Hidden’ Stress Number?

Recently I came across Holmes and Rahe Life Events Stress Scale. It ranks major life events according to the stress they typically produce, which can affect physical and mental health. This table is used to evaluate cumulative stress over time.

"You don’t need to go through a trauma to carry stress in your shoulders or hips — sometimes, just living life is enough." - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.

It's a powerful reminder that what we experience in life shows up in our body — and that healing starts with awareness

So what can we do?

1. Pause and Reflect: take a moment to scan your last 6–12 months. Have there been any changes, challenges, or transitions? They might not feel dramatic, but they still affect your system.

   
   

2. Move With Intention: gentle pilates, breathwork, and mobility exercises help regulate your nervous system. Movement isn’t just physical — it’s emotional release.

   
   

3. Give Yourself Credit: just showing up for yourself counts. If you’ve lived through job changes, relocations, new motherhood, or loss — your body deserves extra kindness, not pressure.

   
   

#preventiveawarenesstool #movementheals