The Hidden Weight of Stress: Finding Relief Here in Alberta

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed living and working here in Alberta, it’s how much we carry on our shoulders. Whether it’s the long winters, the fast pace of work and family life, or the constant changes in our world—it can all start to feel heavy.

Stress isn’t just “in your head.” It shows up in your body and daily life. Maybe you’ve felt it too: the tight jaw on your drive down Deerfoot, the restless nights when your mind won’t stop racing, or that drained feeling that even a weekend in the Rockies doesn’t quite fix.

You’re not alone. Many Albertans I work with tell me they feel like they’re carrying an invisible backpack full of worries, responsibilities, and old hurts. And after a while, that weight gets exhausting.

How Stress Shows Up in Your Body

Here in Alberta, we’re used to pushing through—whether it’s a snowstorm in April or juggling busy schedules. But our bodies always keep score. Stress often shows up as:

• Headaches, tight shoulders, or back pain

• Upset stomach or digestive issues

• Restless sleep

• Racing thoughts or constant worry

• Feeling worn down, no matter how much you rest

Our bodies are wise. They signal when something’s out of balance, even if we try to keep going.

The Emotional Weight We Carry

Along with daily stress, many of us carry emotional weight we don’t even realize:

• Guilt or regret from the past

• Fear about the future

• The pressure to always be “strong”

It’s like trudging up a snowy path with a heavy pack—you can do it for a while, but eventually, it slows you down.

Why Letting Go Matters

When you begin to release the stress and emotional baggage, life starts to feel lighter:

• Sleep improves

• Your energy returns

• Tension eases in your body

• You feel calmer and more present with the people you love

Stress may always be part of life, but it doesn’t need to weigh you down.

Gentle Ways to Start

Here are a few simple practices you can try right here, right now:

• Take a breath. Even a few slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system.

• Move your body. A walk along the Bow River or through Nose Hill Park can do wonders.

• Journal it out. Writing down what’s on your mind helps loosen its hold.

• Reach out. Sometimes, talking with someone makes all the difference.

  
  

Support That May Be Covered in Alberta

One thing I want my fellow Albertans to know is this: you may already have access to support through your extended health benefits.

As a Registered Psychiatric Nurse Therapist here in Alberta, my counselling and hypnotherapy sessions often qualify under “psychological services.” This means your benefits may cover part—or even all—of the cost.

Too often, people don’t realize this and go without help. If you’re unsure, I’d be happy to guide you in checking what’s available under your plan.

You Don’t Have to Carry Stress Alone

Life in Alberta brings both challenges and beauty. And while we can’t stop the snowstorms or the demands of daily life, we can learn to carry less weight inside.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of stress and want to explore support that may be covered by your benefits, I’d love to connect with you.

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 and let’s explore how to lighten your load—together, right here in Alberta.