20/07/2026
Sometimes, it is only when grief or loss strike that we truly realise how many plates we keep spinning on a normal day.
Lots of us sail way too close to the wind, taking it for granted that we can borrow from our contingency fund of energy for every day commitments, thinking 'it'll be alright.' Just never replenishing the store.
And it is just about until:
Parents need care
Kids are on holiday
We are ill
We lose someone we love
The those extra commitments we agreed to - to please people, to prove our worth, or because we thought we could do it better ourselves, are suddenly lined up in front of us mocking our presumption.
Not only that - be honest - this isn't the first time is it? How many times have we promised ourselves a non- negotiable buffer to cope with the unexpected?
Grief doesn't wait for a time when you aren't busy and it isn't just emotional. It affects your whole body.
The loss of someone we love can trigger very real physiological changes, including:
💔 Increased stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
❤️ A faster heart rate and raised blood pressure
😴 Disturbed sleep or insomnia
🧠 Brain fog, poor concentration and memory lapses
🫁 Shallow breathing and a feeling of tightness in the chest
🍽️ Changes in appetite and digestion
🛡️ A temporary reduction in immune function, making us more prone to illness
⚡ Persistent fatigue, even after resting
💪 Muscle tension, aches and headaches
🤍 Heightened anxiety and an exaggerated startle response
🦋 "Butterflies," nausea or a heavy feeling in the stomach
🔥 Flare-ups of existing pain or long-term health conditions
These aren't signs that we're weak. It's our mind and body adapting, gradually learning to carry the loss while allowing our nervous system to find moments of safety again. This is where we need that store of spare space that we've been secretly borrowing from.
If you or someone you know needs to restore their buffer zone this holiday, my 'Put the Plates Down' offer is perfect to reset and remind ourselves how much we need and deserve this. One hour, One reset, One opportunity to leave feeling lighter.
Book online at https://angelacairns.myflodesk.com/puttheplatesdown