Why Your Body Keeps Holding Tension (Even When You Stretch)
TL;DR: What You’ll Learn
Even when you stretch, strengthen, or practice daily breathing exercises, your body can stay tense. That’s because tension isn’t always about weak muscles—it’s often about your nervous system being on high alert. In this post, you’ll learn:
Why your body holds tension even when you’re “doing everything right”
How the nervous system influences pelvic floor and overall body tension
Simple, practical steps to create space and safety in your body
Ways to use breath, reflection, and awareness to release tension naturally
👉 Before we dive in → Grab my Breathe + Reflect Guide, a short, calming practice to help your nervous system settle so your core and pelvic floor can respond and support you better—especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
Understanding Why Your Body Holds Tension
Most of us think tension comes from weak muscles or poor posture, but often, the body holds tension as a protective strategy.
Key contributors include:
Nervous system over activation: Chronic stress, anxiety, or constant mental load keeps the body in “fight or flight” mode.
Posture and habitual clenching: Overgripping the core, sitting for long periods, or holding the pelvic floor too tightly.
Emotional or physical trauma: Past injuries, surgeries, or even high-impact workouts can teach your body to brace unnecessarily.
Daily lifestyle stressors: Sleep deprivation, multitasking, or being “always on” can make muscles stay tense.
How Tension Shows Up in Your Body
Tension isn’t always obvious—sometimes you feel it as discomfort, sometimes as a body that never fully relaxes. Look for:
Pelvic floor tightness – pressure, pain, urinary urgency
Core fatigue – feeling weak even if you train regularly
Back, hip, or tailbone discomfort – chronic tightness in lower body muscles
Difficulty relaxing after activity – even gentle stretches feel ineffective
Restlessness or mental tension – your body may feel “on alert” all day
If any of these sound familiar, this post will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next:
Is Tension the Hidden Cause of Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms?
Why Stretching and Breathing Aren’t Always Enough
Even consistent stretching and breath work may not fully release tension if the nervous system is still in overdrive. Think of your body like a guarded house: the door might be open (muscles relaxed), but the alarm is still on.
Your pelvic floor, core, and hips may still feel “locked” because your nervous system perceives threat.
Without addressing the nervous system, traditional strategies can only go so far.
That’s where Breathe + Reflect and intentional reflection come in—teaching your body to feel safe enough to let go.
5 Steps to Create Space and Safety in Your Body
Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach to work with tension rather than against it:
Step 1: Notice Where You’re Holding On
Scan your body from head to toe. Identify areas that feel tight, clenched, or heavy.
Write down what you feel in different parts of your body.
Step 2: Use Gentle, 360° Breathing
Focus on expanding your ribs, belly, and low back as you inhale. Exhale slowly, feeling a natural release without forcing.
Write down how that feels in your body.
Step 3: Incorporate Awareness Breaks
Pause multiple times a day to check posture and tension.
Ask: “Am I tensing up unnecessarily?”
Step 4: Move With Intention
Gentle stretching, yoga, or mobility work paired with mindful breathing helps teach your muscles to relax.
Step 5: Reflect Through Journaling or Guided Prompts
Explore emotional or mental stressors. Recognize patterns that trigger tension.
👉 Breathe + Reflect is often the first step I recommend because it helps:
Restore diaphragmatic breathing
Improve pelvic floor coordination
Reduce tension before strengthening
FAQ: Nervous System and Body Tension
1. How do I know if tension is nervous system related or just tight muscles?
If you’re doing stretching, strength training, and still feel tense or “guarded,” the nervous system is likely involved.
2. How long before I feel relief?
Even a few minutes daily of awareness and breath practice can make a difference. Regular practice compounds results over weeks.
3. Can this help postpartum?
Absolutely. Reconnecting to your body and regulating tension is safe and effective at any stage of recovery.
4. Do I need to stop exercising?
No. Strengthening and movement are important, but pairing them with nervous system awareness improves results.
TL;DR Recap: How to Actually Release Tension
Notice where tension lives in your body
Breathe 360° to invite release
Pause and reflect on emotional or mental triggers
Move gently with intention
Use guided reflection tools like Breathe + Reflect for ongoing practice
Your body is guarding itself. By creating safety through breath, awareness, and reflection, your muscles—including your pelvic floor—can finally let go.
Ready to Feel Strong, Connected, and Capable Again?
To get support that actually fits your life, here’s where to begin:
👉 Download the Breathe + Reflect Guide
👉 Explore the Pelvic Floor & Core Tension Reset
👉 Learn more about 1:1 support for busy moms
Disclaimer: This post is educational and not a substitute for medical care. If you have concerning symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.