The first time I truly started to understand the connection between my emotions and my body, I was sitting in my university study hall, buried in a pile of psychology textbooks, trying to prepare for my mid-term exam. I had just read a passage from Dr. Gabor Maté’s When the Body Says No, and it stopped me in my tracks (This was only the first of many of his books that I could not put down). He described how unprocessed emotions—resentment, anger, frustration—don’t just fade away. Instead, they take root in our bodies, manifesting as chronic stress, inflammation, or even illness. I had never connected the dots quite like this before, but suddenly, it all made sense.
The knots in my stomach during exam season. The headaches and racing heart beat that came after arguments. The overwhelming fatigue I couldn’t shake after what was meant to be my weekend of recuperation. My body had been speaking to me all along, but I hadn’t been listening.
The Hidden Messages Behind Burnout and Resentment
Fast forward to today, running The Wellness Studio by Cicco Aroma, where I consult with businesses and individuals on incorporating wellness into their routines. I often hear stories that echo my own:
“I’m always exhausted, but I don’t know why.”
“My neck and back are constantly sore.”
“I just feel stuck, like I’m dragging myself through the day.”
What these stories often have in common is an emotional undercurrent. Burnout doesn’t come out of nowhere. That chronic back pain? It might be carrying the weight of unspoken frustrations. The headaches? Perhaps they’re signaling the mental strain of unprocessed anger or resentment.
Dr. Maté’s work taught me that our bodies are remarkably honest. They can’t lie or sweep things under the rug like our minds sometimes do. When emotions are ignored, they find ways to surface, and often, that’s through physical symptoms.
What Are Your Emotions Really Saying?
Take resentment, for example. It’s a common feeling, especially in a world where so many of us are conditioned to say “yes” when we really want to say “no.” Resentment often manifests as tension—tight shoulders, clenched jaws, or even digestive discomfort. It’s your body’s way of telling you that a boundary has been crossed or ignored.
Or consider anger. For years, I suppressed my anger, thinking it was an “ugly” emotion. But suppressed anger doesn’t just disappear. It might show up as chronic headaches or bursts of irritability at unexpected times. Anger isn’t inherently bad; it’s a signal that something feels unjust or out of alignment.
And then there’s burnout. A familiar companion for many of us who try to do it all. It’s more than just exhaustion; it’s a depletion of your emotional reserves. Burnout often whispers through your body long before you recognize it mentally. Maybe it’s that persistent cold you can’t shake or the nagging fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to cure. Your body is begging for rest and recalibration.
A Story of Listening—And Healing
A few years ago, I worked with a small business owner who confided in me the feeling of being overwhelmed and physically drained. She had stomach pains that doctors couldn’t fully explain and a constant tension in her chest. Over time, it became clear she was carrying a heavy load of unspoken frustrations—at her team, at herself, and at the never-ending demands of her work.
Many wellness blogs and socials would tell her to try simple wellness practices, starting with a few minutes of mindful breathing each day. They would stress the need for her to work on setting boundaries—saying “no” to extra responsibilities that weren’t hers to take on. They may even suggest incorporating aromatherapy into her routine with grounding essential oils like frankincense and lavender, helping her create moments of calm amidst the chaos. They may tell her that her physical symptoms would slowly begin to ease. The stomach pains would subside, and the tension in her chest would feel lighter. But this would take time, time she did not feel she had.
Upon reflection, what she was experiencing was not uncommon, but that did not mean it should be normalized. Over time, I realized that while my body might take longer to heal with the aid from medical tools and professionals, my mind held the key to accelerating that healing. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I turned to journaling as a way to process my frustrations and uncover just how much I had been holding onto. This weekly ritual became a cornerstone of my emotional wellness, allowing me to reconnect with my feelings and reflect on my overall well-being. I was intentional in my journaling, ensuring I didn’t let my mind distort or suppress what I was truly feeling. This practice consistently brought me a sense of calm and kept me grounded as I navigated the challenges of owning a small business.
A Wellness Framework for Emotional Healing
At The Wellness Studio by Cicco Aroma, we have made it our mission to empower creatives, dreamers, and small business owners to embrace the profound connection between their emotions and physical health. We understand that this intricate dance can influence every aspect of life - be it craft, business or relationships, and we're here to help you tune in. Here are a few practices we recommend to begin truly listening to your body and addressing repressed emotions:
Pause and Reflect: Take a moment each day to ask, “What am I feeling?” Write it down or sit with it. Let the emotions surface without judgment.
Mindful Movement: Yoga, stretching, or even a slow walk can help release tension stored in the body so make time for it. Focus on areas that feel tight or uncomfortable.
Aromatherapy: Use essential oils as a tool like bergamot for uplifting moods, lavender for calming, or eucalyptus for clearing mental fog. Diffuse them in your workspace or add them to a warm bath.
Connection: Don’t underestimate the power of talking to someone you trust or simply feel could understand what you are experiencing. Sharing your feelings out loud can be incredibly freeing. That is why we hold check-in sessions with our SBO wellness clients.
Creative Expression: Whether it’s journaling, painting, or dancing, creative outlets allow emotions to move through you rather than staying trapped.
What Is Your Body Trying to Say?
As you move into this new season, I encourage you to pause and listen to what your body might be telling you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or burnt out, ask yourself: What emotions have I been ignoring? What needs to shift?
Remember, your body is not your enemy. It’s your most honest ally, always trying to guide you back to balance and well-being. The next time you feel that headache, that tension, or that fatigue, don’t just push through. Stop and ask, “What are you trying to tell me?”
At The Wellness Studio by Cicco Aroma, we’re here to support you on this journey. Together, let’s create space for your emotions to be felt, honored, and released—because wellness is not just about the absence of illness; it’s about living fully, with your mind, body, and heart in harmony.
Follow us @CiccoAroma on Instagram and Facebook for transformative journal prompts that help you uncover hidden emotions and break free from what’s holding you back on your wellness journey.
Wishing You Wellness, ✨️
Madonna
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