Understanding how stress manifests itself physically and emotionally by Chloé Machin

In the ebb and flow of daily life, stress can sneak up on us, wrapping its tendrils around our well-being before we even realise it’s there. 

As someone who battled with chronic stress and chronic fatigue syndrome for close to a decade, I have experienced first-hand all the nuances of how both effect our entire well-being. 

It’s not just about having a bad day at work or juggling too much at home; it's how these pressures manifest in our bodies and minds, often without a loud announcement, but with undeniable effects.

Physically, stress is like an uninvited guest that doesn’t want to leave. 

It starts with maybe a headache here, a backache there — in my instance, it started with the nerve endings in my feet which would send radiating pain through the soles of my feet and legs -  but quite often we are too quick to brush off these signals as just another busy day. 

But over time, stress accumulates; it tightens our muscles, disrupts our sleep, and even meddles with our digestion. Our skin, too, echoes our inner turmoil, sometimes becoming as irritable as our frayed nerves, with breakouts or dryness and It’s our body’s way of waving a red flag, signalling for some much-needed care.

Emotionally, stress can be even more cunning. It might begin as a feeling of being overwhelmed or unusually snappy and irritable.  But left unchecked, it can deepen into anxiety, cloud our thinking, and lead us down the path to depression. It’s like walking through a fog—everything feels more difficult, less hopeful. In its sneakiest form, stress chips away at our joy, patience, and ability to connect with others. 

Now, imagine turning down the volume of this stress. Imagine a moment of tranquillity where gentle hands ease not just the tension in your muscles but soothe your very spirit. This is where lymphatic and buccal facial massages step in—a touch of calm in the chaos of our lives.

Lymphatic facial massage works with the grace of a whisper, encouraging the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. This process not only detoxifies but also reduces swelling and brings a fresh glow to your face. It’s like telling your body it’s okay to relax, to let go of the burdens it’s been carrying.

Buccal facial massage goes deeper, quite literally, working from the inside of the mouth to relieve tension in ways we might not even realise we hold. 

This technique is especially poignant for those of us who clench our jaws or grind our teeth when stressed. Beyond its immediate relaxation benefits, this massage offers a contouring effect, providing a natural lift—reminding us of the beauty in letting go.

With all its physical and emotional baggage, stress demands our attention, and rightly so.   

I for one can assure you that I have gained 10 years of lost youth, practising what I preach, as the founder of I Am Beauty. It definitely wasn’t easy and I still have to be mindful of triggers that send me headfirst into a state of overwhelm and disregulation however, it is possible to reclaim balance and you would truly be amazed if I showed you a photo from 10 years ago.  

Integrating practices like lymphatic and buccal facial massage into our self-care routines can be transformative. They aren’t just treatments; they are rituals of self respect and acknowledgment. They teach us about the healing power of touch and the importance of pausing in a world that often tells us to keep pushing forward.

Let's embrace these moments of peace, not just for our skin’s sake, but for our holistic well-being. Because every gentle touch, every quiet moment of relief, is a step towards a calmer, more centred self.

Kindest,

Chloé,
Founder of I Am Beauty