Why Developing a Relationship with Your Body Matters: Healing Anxiety and Reclaiming Self-Connection
Most of us grow up treating our bodies like objects—something to manage, fix, or control. But what if your body isn’t something separate from you? What if it’s actually one of your greatest sources of wisdom, self-awareness, and emotional regulation?
In my therapy practice, I often work with adults who struggle with anxiety, mood swings, dissociation, and self-worth challenges. Many of them feel disconnected from themselves—like they’re living in their heads, fighting their bodies, or stuck in cycles of self-criticism. This disconnection isn’t random—it’s deeply rooted in the cultural messages we’ve absorbed.
The Profound Information Our Bodies Offer
Our bodies send us constant signals—physical sensations, emotions, subtle cues—that can guide us if we know how to listen. But Western culture, shaped by centuries of patriarchal and dualistic thinking, teaches us to see the body as something separate from the mind. We grow up internalizing messages that prioritize control, productivity, and perfectionism over connection and presence.
I remember a conversation with a somatic pioneer, Emilie Conrad, who pointed out how even our language reflects this disconnection. When I referred to “my body” as something I managed, she challenged me: Why do you say “my body” as if it’s something you own? Her words made me realize how deeply I’d internalized separation. I saw my body as something outside of myself—a thing to control—rather than a partner to collaborate with.
The Science Behind Disconnection and Stress
Neuroscience shows us that treating the body as an object weakens our ability to process and regulate emotions. Research highlights how suppressing or ignoring bodily signals reduces activity in the insula, the part of the brain responsible for sensing internal states—a skill known as interoception.
Poor interoceptive awareness can increase anxiety, stress, and disembodiment. But when we rebuild the connection between body and mind, we strengthen emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and experience greater self-compassion.
From Ownership to Partnership: Healing Through Somatic Awareness
Shifting from ownership to partnership wasn’t easy for me. I had to learn how to listen to my body without judgment—to notice sensations, emotions, and tension as messages, not problems to fix. Through practices like yoga, mindfulness, and somatic exercises, I slowly reframed my relationship with my body.
This shift had real effects. I felt more grounded, less reactive, and more present in my relationships. Instead of fighting myself, I was learning to collaborate with myself.
How Somatic Awareness Improves Emotional Regulation
Reframing your relationship with your body has clear benefits:
✅ Reduces anxiety and stress by increasing interoceptive awareness
✅ Improves emotional regulation by strengthening brain-body connections
✅ Enhances self-worth and self-compassion by moving away from perfectionism
✅ Helps set boundaries and connect authentically in relationships
Therapy that incorporates somatic awareness offers powerful tools for clients feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck.
Practical Exercise: Building a Relationship with Your Body
Here’s a simple somatic exercise you can try today:
1. Find a quiet place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths.
3. Bring attention to your body. Notice any tension, warmth, or movement without needing to change anything.
4. Silently say to yourself:
• These sensations are me. I don’t need to fix or control them.
• I am here, fully present
Regularly practicing this kind of awareness helps shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.
Closing Thoughts
Reconnecting with your body isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about coming home to yourself. When we stop treating our bodies as objects and start honoring them as integral to who we are, we open the door to emotional healing, confidence, and deeper self-worth.
If you’re ready to feel more grounded, connected, and supported, I’d love to help.
