Body scanning techniques
Anxiety, worry, and stress are not just things we feel in our minds — we often feel them in our bodies too. Think about the last time you felt anxious:
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Where did you feel it in your body?
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What did it feel like?
Our mind and body are closely connected. When we worry, our bodies can become tense. And when our bodies are tense, it can make our anxiety feel worse. Sometimes noticing these feelings in our body can help us realise we’re getting anxious, so we can do something about it before it gets stronger.
Learning how to tune in to your body and recognise these physical effects of stress 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, simply notice your thoughts, let them go, and gently bring your attention back to your body.
