If your body feels tense, your thoughts are racing, or you can't seem to switch off after a stressful day, your nervous system may still be in a heightened state of alertness.What doesn't help is telling yourself to simply "calm down" when your body hasn't received a clear signal that the stressful situation is over.

If your shoulders feel tight, your thoughts are racing, and you feel like you're carrying the entire day with you, you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is believing you need an hour-long meditation or a weekend getaway to feel better.

If you feel tense, overstimulated, or mentally “on” all day—even when nothing dramatic is happening—you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is assuming you need a full vacation or an hour-long routine to feel calm again.