If work required a lot of composure today, let’s slow things down.

This morning, we talked about what chronic stress actually does to your body.This afternoon, we named the cost of staying polite when you’re not safe.

So tonight, the goal isn’t to solve anything or figure out what to do next.

The goal is containment.

When stress is ongoing, your nervous system needs clear signals about when it’s allowed to stand down. Containment is simply a way of telling your body: nothing more is required right now.

Let’s start with grounding.

If you can, place your feet flat on the floor.Notice the surface beneath you.Let your back be supported by the chair, couch, or wall behind you.

Take one slow breath in through your nose.Let it out through your mouth—longer than the inhale.

Now, gently bring your attention to your body and notice:

* One place that feels neutral or okay

* One physical sensation you can name without judgment

* One sound you can hear right now

If thoughts about work come up—and they probably will—see if you can say quietly to yourself:

I’m not handling this right now.

You’re not ignoring it.You’re containing it.

Containment isn’t avoidance. It’s what allows your nervous system to stop working overtime when nothing can be resolved in this moment.

Your nervous system is not a company resource. You are allowed to protect it.

Deep breath. You’ve got this.

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