EPISODE 31: Stress Dysmorphia
Unmasking Stress Dysmorphia - Why You May not Recognize Your Own Stress (& How I Discovered Mine)
Hey there! Kim here, and today I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind a lot lately — something I’ve come to call “stress dysmorphia.” You’ve probably heard of body dysmorphia, where someone doesn’t see their body as it truly is. Well, stress dysmorphia is kind of like that… but instead of not recognizing our physical selves, we don’t recognize the stress we’re carrying around.
Let me ask you: have you ever felt overwhelmed, but when someone asks how you’re doing, you shrug it off and say, “I’m fine”? That’s a classic case of stress dysmorphia. We’re so wrapped up in our day-to-day grind, especially when it comes to running a business and managing family life, that we don’t even see the toll it’s taking on us. Or, worse, we convince ourselves that it’s not that bad.
My Journey with Stress Dysmorphia
I grew up in a household where hard work was the norm. My parents always pushed through, no matter how tough things got. That’s what I learned, too — to keep going, keep pushing, and don’t stop until the job’s done. But what no one ever talked about was the silent killer creeping in the background: stress.
Fast forward to today, where I’m juggling a growing business, a family, and a podcast. The pressure is on, and the stakes are high. But instead of admitting that I’m stressed out of my mind, I often tell myself, “I’m handling it. It’s no big deal.” Spoiler alert: It is a big deal.
The truth is, I didn’t even recognize how stressed I was until I started noticing physical symptoms — like sleepless nights, constant headaches, and this underlying feeling of anxiety that I couldn’t shake. It hit me like a ton of bricks that I’d been living with stress dysmorphia for years, pretending I was fine when I was anything but.
Why Stress Dysmorphia Matters for Entrepreneurs and Family Business Owners
As family business owners, we’re under a unique kind of pressure. We’re not just responsible for the bottom line — we’re responsible for our families, our employees, and their families too. That’s a lot of weight to carry, and it’s easy to get lost in the hustle.
But here’s the thing: if we don’t recognize our own stress, how can we manage it? How can we expect to be the best versions of ourselves for our businesses and our families if we’re running on empty? Stress dysmorphia can lead to burnout, health issues, and even strained relationships — things that could ultimately hurt both your business and your family life.
Recognizing & Addressing Stress Dysmorphia
So, how do we break free from this cycle? It starts with awareness. I’ve started implementing a few strategies that have really helped me get a better grip on my stress levels:
Regular Check-ins with Myself: I’ve made it a habit to ask myself, “How am I really doing?” It sounds simple, but taking a moment to reflect on your mental and physical state can be eye-opening.
Listening to My Body: Our bodies have a way of telling us when something’s wrong. If you’re feeling more tired than usual, having trouble sleeping, or experiencing other physical symptoms, don’t ignore them. They’re often the first signs that you’re stressed out.
Setting Boundaries: This one’s tough, especially when you’re passionate about your business. But learning to say “no” to things that don’t serve your well-being is crucial. Whether it’s setting work hours, taking weekends off, or simply stepping away from your phone, creating boundaries is key to managing stress.
Leaning on My Support System: I’m fortunate to have an incredible partner in Darren, but I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding myself with a support network — whether it’s family, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Investing in Self-Care: This isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (although those are great too!). It’s about finding activities that recharge you. For me, it’s spending time with my grandkids, taking a walk with our dogs, or even just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Find what works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Moving Forward
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s that recognizing your stress is the first step in managing it. We can’t afford to let stress dysmorphia keep us from being the best leaders, parents, and partners we can be. By acknowledging our stress and taking steps to address it, we’re not just improving our own well-being — we’re setting a powerful example for those around us.
So, what about you? Do you think you might have stress dysmorphia? How are you handling the pressures of running a business and maintaining a healthy family life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! (You can connect with us in the comments, or by following any of the provided social media links below!)
Until next time, take care of yourselves, and remember — keeping your family ties healthy while scaling your business is possible. It just takes a little awareness and a lot of heart.
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