Is it stress, asthma, or both?

Here is a friendly reminder to listen to what your body is telling you.

My body (and mind) has been screaming at me lately, and here is what I found out.

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Over the past few weeks, I have been struggling to breathe, and for someone who talks for a living, it’s been quite the obstacle.

After speaking just a few sentences, I find myself gasping for air. Even working from home or resting at night, I can never quite get a full breath.

When I was younger, I dealt with asthma, so my signs of struggle told me to call the doctor and introduce an inhaler back into my life.

But what my doctor told me was surprising.

“Have you been stressed lately?” she asked.

I couldn’t lie to her. My life has been a chaotic storm lately, albeit with good things, but stressful moments have become the norm.

I admitted my current mindset to my doctor and she explained that stress and anxiety can often manifest in other areas of the body. Some people get stomach aches and headaches, while others have shortness of breath.

Turns out I’m in the latter group.

“It could very well be your asthma, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s stress related,” said my doctor.

I was shocked. When I think of stress and anxiety, I think about mental struggles. I never expected stress to attack me physically.

I shared my struggle with Michael, Gazelle, and the rest of the SouthCoast today because I have a feeling I am not the only one with a hectic and stressful life.

If you are noticing any ailments that you have brushed off, I beg you, do not.

I don’t like to slow down, but this time around, my body is asking me to, and maybe yours is too.

Take my story as a gentle reminder that self-care is extremely important. I’m not talking about your nightly skin routine, I’m talking about mental rest, as well as checking in with yourself and making your health a top priority.

Hopefully, my new inhaler will help me, but I have a feeling some inner work, too, will give me a breath of fresh air.

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