Can constant fear make you sick?

We are safe in Dubai.
That much, I know.

And yet safety on the outside does not always mean peace on the inside.

The ongoing loop of what-ifs, when will this finish, should we stay or should we go and the direct hit in the finances. It settles into the body through broken disrupted sleep, the next-day fatigue, racing thoughts, shallow breathing, tensed muscles, and the exhausting question of when will life feel normal again?

For many of us, the fear is not just about immediate danger. It is about the long tail of uncertainty. The worry about work or business. The heaviness of trying to stay functional. When the mind stays alert for too long, the body rarely gets the signal that it is safe to rest.

A month into carrying this invisible weight, I started noticing the effects in my own body.

Last week, a low-grade discomfort in my joints. Right toes and the connecting tissue on the sole. Then my fingers, low spot pain - the few days later my left shoulder. Not too painfully dramatic but noticeably uncomfortable. Stress can lower the threshold for discomfort, making existing aches feel more noticeable.

The same week I happened to be making bath salt gifts for my neighbors.

And it did come handy.

* for the purpose of this blog - all models are AI.

The first day, I used rosemary for its anti-inflammatory potential.
The next day after, lavender to help improve sleep quality and support relaxation.

Did the pain go away?

I would say it helped in the moment. I would need to learn to regulate my thoughts, work on my sleep and eat healthier options. (side note, I stock on a week’s worth of dry and canned food) and I should have known better to not eat them.

A gentle note…

If joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or shoulder pain keeps going, worsens, or starts affecting daily movement, it is worth checking with a doctor. Stress and constant fear can absolutely amplify pain, but persistent joint symptoms can also have other causes that deserve proper assessment.

For now, I am listening more closely to my body.

Trying what I can.
Resting when possible.
Soaking when needed.
And trusting that even in difficult seasons, small acts of care still count.

Many think it’s just a nice relaxing bath with cute aesthetic.. truth is, it’s body signaling. A warm bath is not a cure for anxiety, but it can be a supportive ritual for a stressed body. When body relaxed, it signals the mind to relax too - even for the moment.

According to study, warm water therapy is commonly used to help relax muscles, ease stiffness, and reduce pressure on sore joints.

The warmth helps muscles soften, while immersion in water can reduce the load on painful or inflamed areas. Organizations focused on arthritis and musculoskeletal care note that warm water can ease joint pain, improve circulation, and help the body move more comfortably. Add the benefits of Epsom for sore muscles and post-exertion relief and the aroma of natural herbs - it’s a simple way to signal the mind of safety.