07/09/2025
Anxiety isn't just a feeling in our minds; it's a physical experience. Our bodies often have their own language for telling us when we're overwhelmed, sending signals through the nervous system that land in very specific places.
Does this map of "Anxiety in the Body" feel familiar to you?
→ Tightness or a racing heart in your chest?
→ Knots or that "sinking feeling" in your gut?
→ Unshakeable tension that gathers in your shoulders?
These are calls for attention, not something to ignore. When you notice them, you have an opportunity to respond with care. Here are three powerful techniques our therapists teach for immediate relief:
1️⃣ Belly Breathing: This technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system, telling your body it's safe to relax. (Try inhaling for 4, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6 seconds.)
2️⃣ 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding: This pulls your focus away from the internal storm of anxious thoughts and anchors you firmly in the present moment.
3️⃣ Progressive Muscle Relaxation: By intentionally tensing and then releasing a muscle group (like your shoulders), you can release stored physical tension you might not have even noticed.
Learning to recognize and respond to your body's signals is a transformative skill. If you're ready for deeper, lasting tools, our clinicians specialize in CBT and somatic therapies that retrain this powerful mind-body link.
Our team is here to help. To book a free, no-obligation consultation, visit the link in our bio.
