Body scanning techniques

Anxiety, worry and stress are often experienced in the body, as well as the mind.  And sometimes physical symptoms of stress and tension can manifest in our body without us even noticing it.  Think about the last time you felt anxious.  Where do you feel anxiety in your body?  What does it feel like?

One central part of anxiety management is the notion that your body and mind are inexorably linked.  Worries in your mind can make you feel tense; but equally, tensions in your body can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.  And sometimes noticing tensions in your body can alert you to the fact that you are getting anxious; allowing you to act on your symptoms before the escalate.

Learning how to tune in to your body and recognise these physical effects of stress is an important tool that can help you to relieve feelings of tension, and reduce your anxiety symptoms.

Listen to the following body scan exercise to help you identify areas of tension, and release them. If you notice that thoughts keep popping up, and that your mind wanders off, that’s ok.  This is perfectly normal.  When this happens, just notice your thoughts, let them go and gently bring your attention back to the body.

 

Look after yourself and seek help, if you need it.