There's a particular ache behind my collarbones when I'm pushing too hard in life, like my body is trying to fold in on itself to protect something precious. My shoulders creep up to my ears when I'm overwhelmed, a silent turtle retreating into its shell. It's not just the pushing, but the fear of failing that makes them tighten like that. I have to actively drop them, consciously release the weight I'm carrying, even if only for a moment. My jaw clenches. It's the first sign. I can be smiling, even laughing, but the back teeth are grinding. Gotta feel for that tension and consciously release, or it's a headache waiting to happen. A reminder that the pressure I'm putting on myself is self-imposed.