Always Tired, Always Alert, Always “Fine”
“How are you?” I can bet some money you answered “fine” without even thinking. But are we really fine?
The only thing we all seem to agree on these days is that we’re stressed. Yet We blame it for everything, we use it as an excuse, and yet we are constantly trying to get rid of it. But is stress really the villain it’s made out to be, or is it just a convenient excuse for the chaos of modern life?
A 2024 study by Harvard University shows that chronic stress really does affect our bodies and minds over time. Every time our stress response kicks in, it leaves a mark, and when it happens repeatedly, the toll becomes significant.
Here’s how it works: Our nervous system is the command center of our body. It connects what’s happening inside us with what’s happening in the outside world. It consists of two parts, the sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system.
In an exclusive interview with MTV’s website, pharmacist and life coach Marie-Lynn Boursali shared that she has observed recurring patterns of chronic stress throughout her career.
She explains, “The sympathetic system is the one that reacts to danger. It helps us act immediately in emergencies. The parasympathetic system is the chill counterpart. It slows the heart, conserves energy, and helps the body recover.”
“The goal isn’t to get rid of stress. A healthy nervous system is one that can switch easily between the two, between action and rest,” she continues.
“The problem many of us face today is that we stay stuck in the sympathetic state. We are permanently in survival mode,” notes Boursali.
“It is very important to practice body awareness,” she explains. “We need to ask ourselves: Where does my body hurt?”
According to Boursali, doctors often tell patients to “stop stressing out” because stress plays a major role in many illnesses. However, physicians are rarely trained to teach people how to regulate their stress response.
“Stress is a normal reaction that our body needs,” she adds. “We don’t need to eliminate it entirely, but we shouldn’t remain stuck in a loop of chronic stress.”
One of the simplest and most accessible tools, she says, is diaphragmatic breathing. “It’s the cheapest and easiest way to regulate the nervous system.”
Sitting quietly for five minutes, breathing deeply, and simply listening to the body may sound trivial, yet it can be transformative.
“Our body loves us,” Boursali suggests. “It is only trying to get our attention. Over time, unaddressed tension may manifest physically.”
Predictability helps too. The human body thrives on routine. Consistent meal times, sleep schedules, morning rituals, and knowing what tomorrow brings, all of this signals to your brain that you are safe.
Movement matters. Walking, stretching, yoga, gentle shaking, anything that moves energy through the body is beneficial.
Stress isn’t the enemy. Getting stuck in it is. Thankfully, our body has the answer, we just have to give it a chance to talk to us. Now the real question is, are you ready to listen? The journey starts there.
