Why We Hold Tension in Our Skin (and What to Do About It)
Because sometimes the tightness in your shoulders is really just your body whispering, “I need rest.”
Have you ever noticed how stress doesn’t always scream?
Sometimes, it settles into your skin.
Your neck stiffens. Your jaw clenches.
Your back aches at night—even when nothing major “happened” that day.
That, my friend, is tension. And most of us are walking around carrying more of it than we realize.
Why We Hold Tension—Especially as Women
Whether you’re caring for kids, animals, aging parents, or running your home—your body keeps score. Even the little things:
Constant to-do lists
Decision fatigue (what’s for dinner, again?)
Mental load of caregiving
Grief or trauma that never got time to heal
Hormonal shifts and sleepless nights
The truth is, we’re not wired to go nonstop. But life doesn’t exactly come with a pause button, does it?
And over time, that unprocessed stress settles into our skin, muscles, and nervous system.
The Skin-Stress Connection (Quick Science)
When we’re stressed, our bodies release more cortisol (the stress hormone). Over time, that can lead to:
Skin inflammation or breakouts
Increased sensitivity or dryness
Tense muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back
Poor sleep and low energy
Slower healing (physically and emotionally)
In short: Your skin is talking. Are you listening?
What You Can Actually Do About It
You don’t need a 12-step skincare routine or a perfect day to unwind.
You just need a moment of intentional calm.
Here’s what’s helped me—and many of my customers:
🌿 Daily movement. Even 10 minutes outside resets the nervous system.
🌿 Warm showers + slow evenings. Turn off the phone, turn on soft light.
🌿 Magnesium. Specifically, topical magnesium applied to sore muscles or feet before bed.
Why Magnesium Lotion Makes a Difference
Magnesium helps regulate the nervous system, reduce muscle tension, and promote deeper sleep. But when applied through the skin, it skips the digestive tract and goes straight where you need it most.
I use mine every night.
On my shoulders, calves, lower back—wherever I feel the day clinging to me.
It’s not fancy. It’s not loud.
But it’s become one of the quietest, most powerful resets in my routine.
A Gentle Invitation
If your body’s been asking for rest,
If your skin’s been flaring up or your shoulders won’t let go,
Maybe it’s time to listen.
🖤 A nightly magnesium ritual might be the softest reset your body needs.
You can try mine here:
And if this resonated with you—leave a comment or send me a note.
I’d love to hear what your body has been trying to tell you lately.
