Based on a true client journey, shared by a dietitian who integrates the Your Daily app in her practice.
Meet Steph.
She’s an Account Director who had her work life together—but her body? That was another story.
Steph was dealing with daily bloating that made her feel like she looked 7 months pregnant after every meal. Nothing she tried seemed to help.
Probiotics, fasting, cleanses… they either did nothing or made her feel worse. And the more she stressed about it, the worse her body felt.
Steph’s Weight Struggle
For years, Steph wrestled with weight gain, persistent bloating, and discomfort that left her feeling self-conscious and miserable.
Her wardrobe was a monotonous rotation of the same clothing, hiding her body behind people in photos, and making sure she was seated in the back at any social event.
She just didn’t feel like herself. And to make matters worse, every doctor told her the same thing: “Eat less, eat better, exercise more.”
But she was already doing all that. If anything, she was pushing too hard—and starting to feel like her relationship with food wasn’t healthy anymore.
The Unexpected Suggestion
Out of frustration, Steph saw a dietitian. She hoped for some new food plan or gut protocol.
Instead, her dietitian suggested something simple: Journaling.
Steph thought: Really? Writing stuff down?
It seemed too easy. Too soft. Too silly.
She also didn’t want to do it wrong—or be judged by some imaginary person reading her thoughts someday. So she put it off. She stuck with the food and supplement suggestions instead.
But as you’ll see… journaling was the missing piece.
The Turning Point
Steph didn’t start journaling because she believed it would help.
She started because her dietitian wouldn’t stop bringing it up.
So, to be a “good client,” she wrote a page a day—just enough to check the box and say, “See? I did it.”
But then something surprising happened.
As she kept writing, Steph started noticing patterns. On days when work was especially stressful, her digestion would tank: Dinner wouldn’t sit right. She’d go to bed bloated and gassy—and still feel that way the next morning!
Before, she thought the bloating was random.
But the journal was helping her connect the dots.
It wasn’t just a place to dump her thoughts. More than that, became a way to understand what her body was trying to say.
Over time, journaling stopped feeling like a chore. It actually helped her feel lighter—mentally and physically.
Writing helped her shift out of stress mode and into rest-and-digest—without needing to do more, fix more, or buy more.
And that’s when Steph realized: Journaling wasn’t busywork.
It was her body’s new favorite tool.
The Science Behind It
When you’re stressed, even slightly (like rushing through the day, holding in emotions, or overthinking), your body switches into fight-or-flight mode.
This is great for emergencies, but terrible for digestion.
In this state, your body literally pauses digestion—it’s not a priority when your brain thinks there’s danger. And when food sits around instead of moving smoothly through your system, it causes bloating, gas, and discomfort.
That’s where journaling comes in.
How Journaling Helps the Gut
Writing down your thoughts helps your body feel safe. It brings your focus out of your head and into the present moment. As your mind begins to slow down, your body gets the signal: “I’m safe now.”
This shift activates your parasympathetic nervous system—also known as “rest and digest.”
When you’re in this calmer state:
- Your stomach can produce the acids and enzymes it needs to break down food
- Your intestines start moving food along (hello, less bloating!)
- Your muscles relax, including those around your belly
It’s like giving your gut permission to do its job.
By tuning into her body’s signals through journaling, Steph not only alleviated her physical symptoms but also rediscovered a sense of agency over her health and well-being.
Try This
Before a meal, or when you’re feeling bloated:
- Open your journal or a notes app
- Set a timer for 2-5 minutes
- Write about what’s on your mind—no filter, no pressure
- Let the act of writing be a signal to your body: “We’re safe. You can digest now.”
Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
Get the Prompts that Helped Steph Get Rid of Gut Bloat
Ready to take control of your digestive health and overall well-being?
We’ve got journal prompts based on your mood, right inside our app. Come check out the De-Stressing Library and feel relief for yourself.
The Bottom Line
Gut health isn’t just about what you eat.
It’s also about how safe your body feels while you’re eating—and afterward.
Journaling helps your mind unwind, which helps your gut unclench.
Less stress = better digestion = less bloat.
