Noticing our bodies
Many people come to therapy expecting to talk about thoughts and emotions. And we do! But it often surprises people how much the body ends up being part of the conversation too.
Our nervous system is constantly working, sometimes in the background where we don’t notice. It’s always trying to figure out whether things feel safe, stressful, or somewhere in between. Throughout the day it’s taking in information from our environment, our relationships, and even our own thoughts.
When the system has been under pressure for a while, it can start to show up physically in ways we don’t always connect to stress; trouble falling asleep, feeling foggy or scattered, tight chest or shoulders, feeling exhausted but also feeling unable to fully relax. Sometimes people notice headaches, stomach discomfort, or shakiness.
Learning a little bit about the nervous system can help. These reactions make more sense when we realize the body is trying to help us cope with what’s happening around us.
Mind/body awareness can start by just noticing. Maybe realizing your jaw is clenched halfway through the workday, or that your breathing gets shallow when you see all of the notifications on your phone. Those small moments of awareness can create a pause. Then you might decide to stretch, take a few slower breaths, step outside, or move your body for a minute.
Our everyday habits make a huge difference when it comes to regu Sleep, nutrition, and movement all affect how steady our nervous system feels. Eating regularly throughout the day, staying hydrated, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule can make a real difference in how the body handles stress. I know, easier said than done. But when those rhythms are supported, our mood and stress levels often feel more manageable too.
Therapy can also create space to slow down enough to notice what the body might be holding onto. Stress and emotions don’t live only in our thoughts. The body carries pieces of those experiences as well.
Ally (she/her/ella) provides warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive therapy for individuals, couples, and families. As a bilingual Spanish-English therapist, she creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore life's challenges with compassion and curiosity. Ally is currently an intern and will be coming on as a staff therapist this summer. She can be reached at: