Can You Be Addicted to Stress?
- Corey Richason, LMT
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
You say you’re overwhelmed…
But if your schedule suddenly cleared tomorrow, would you relax…or start filling it back up?
That’s the part most people miss.
Some people don’t just deal with stress.They recreate it.
Not because they enjoy feeling miserable…but because being busy feels productive…and slowing down feels uncomfortable.
What It Looks Like
It’s not dramatic. It looks normal.
Your schedule is always full
Free time turns into more tasks
Rest feels uncomfortable
Being busy feels like success
Overwhelm feels… typical
When stress becomes your baseline, you stop noticing it. You may even think you're simply addicted to stress.
Why It Happens
Stress isn’t just mental.
Your body gets used to being “on”…so when things slow down, it feels off instead of relaxing.
Where It Shows Up
Your body keeps score.
Tight shoulders
A back that always feels “a little off”
Sleep that doesn’t fully recharge you
Over time, that tension often turns into real pain.If that sounds familiar, you can learn more here: www.vitalkneads.net/massage-for-back-pain-surprise-az
What Actually Helps
You don’t need to overhaul your life.
Start small:
Leave one open space in your schedule this week
Say no once
Give yourself time that isn’t productive
If you want a simple place to start, I put together a quick reset you can do at home:www.vitalkneads.net/5-minute-reset
And pay attention to your body…because even when your mind slows down, your body might not.
Why Most People Stay Stuck
They try to think their way out of stress.
But your body is still holding onto it.
When your muscles finally let go, your nervous system follows.That’s usually when people realize how much tension they’ve been carrying.
If you want to understand how that works, you can read more here: www.vitalkneads.net/massage-for-stress-relief-surprise-az
Final Thought
Stress is common.
Living in it constantly isn’t.
Most people don’t realize how tense they’ve been…until they finally feel what relaxed actually feels like.
If you’re in the Surprise area and ready for that shift, you can check availability here:www.vitalkneads.net/booking
FAQ
Can you really be addicted to stress?
Not like a substance, but your body can get used to the “on” feeling. Slowing down can feel uncomfortable, so you keep yourself busy.
Why do I feel uneasy when I try to relax?
Your nervous system may be used to being in a heightened state. Rest feels unfamiliar at first, not wrong.
What are the signs of chronic stress?
Muscle tension
Trouble relaxing
Poor sleep
Constant fatigue
Can massage help with stress?
It can help reduce muscle tension and help your body shift into a more relaxed state. For many people, it’s the first time they actually feel the difference.
What’s one simple place to start?
Start small.
Leave one open space in your schedule this week and don’t fill it. Then notice how your body responds.
That awareness alone is a powerful first step.
Written by Corey Richason, Licensed Massage Therapist
Corey Richason is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, AZ. With over 24 years of hands-on experience, he helps active adults reduce pain, improve mobility, and stay active through personalized, results-focused bodywork.
Instagram: @coreyrichason
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