Our experiences are closely connected to our bodies. The way we think and feel is influenced by our physical sensations as much as by our thoughts. For example, how do you know you’re angry or happy? Most people assume it’s because of something that happened, such as, “I’m angry because someone said something hurtful,” or “I’m happy because I got good news.”
But if you pay attention to your body, you may notice physical signs
instead. You might realise, “My stomach feels tight,” or “My chest feels open and relaxed.” These body sensations can help you recognise what you’re feeling. They can also guide you toward ways to calm yourself or deal with difficult emotions. Paying attention to your body reminds you that your feelings are real and that you’re fully present in the moment.
Stress is another example of how emotions affect the body. Many health experts estimate that a large percentage of doctor visits are linked to stress. Long-term stress can contribute to physical problems and may make some illnesses worse. Learning to notice your body’s signals and respond to them in healthy ways can help reduce the effects of stress.
When stress or difficult emotions are ignored for a long time, they can show up as physical symptoms. Ongoing muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or back may become chronic pain. Some people develop frequent headaches or migraines. Others experience digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, or severe menstrual discomfort. Constant stress can also leave people feeling exhausted, sometimes leading to long-lasting fatigue. Many people with these symptoms see multiple doctors without finding clear answers or lasting relief. Some researchers believe that unresolved emotional trauma can play an important role in many ongoing health problems, although it is not the only possible cause.
For children, trauma can have lasting effects on both the mind and body. A child who has experienced overwhelming events may feel disconnected from their body or struggle to understand what they are feeling. When the body goes into a protective “freeze” response, it can make it harder for the brain to process what happened. Instead of learning from the experience and moving on, the child and in turn the adult, may become stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaving. These difficulties can sometimes look similar to conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), although trauma is not the cause of every case.
Traumatic experiences are often stored not only as memories of what happened but also as physical sensations, such as tension, discomfort, numbness, weakness, or a lack of energy. Because of this, changing thoughts alone may not be enough to heal from trauma. Recovery often involves paying attention to physical sensations and emotions as well as thoughts, helping the whole person process the experience.
When someone faces a life-threatening situation, the brain automatically prepares the body to survive. It sends signals that change how different organs work. The digestive system may become overactive, causing “butterflies,” stomach cramps, or diarrhea. At the same time, breathing can become tight and difficult, and the heart may feel like it’s racing or pounding. If the body’s stress response stays switched on for too long, these physical reactions can become ongoing problems and may contribute to chronic symptoms in some people.
Can you become more aware of your present-moment experience by noticing what is happening within you from one moment to the next?
