Why we have to get into the body to stop overthinking
1. Grounding in the Present Moment
When we overthink, we often become lost in our thoughts about the past or future. Getting into our bodies helps us anchor ourselves in the present moment. Physical sensations, like the feeling of our feet on the ground or the rhythm of our breath, remind us that we are here and now, reducing the urge to ruminate on what’s out of our control.
If we stay stuck in our heads, ruminating, trying to problem solve, analyzing, evaluating, or creating plans… we actually SLOW our progress. If you want to feel motivated, inspired, hopeful, energized, joyous and confident, the body is a better entry way point; this is because if the mind and body are already triggered, you have less rational thinking capacity (it’s just nature). Your mind might trick you into staying “stuck” in thought. But actually, the sooner we disconnect from our thoughts about the past or future and the sooner we connect to the present moment, the sooner we’ll be able to identify effective solutions to our “problems.” Or the sooner we’ll learn to release what’s not in our control.
2. Emotional Release
Our bodies store emotions, and unexpressed feelings can lead to tension and stress. By engaging with our physical selves, we create a pathway for emotional release. This can help alleviate the burden of overthinking, allowing emotions to flow freely rather than get stuck in our minds.
Thinking is an abstract concept, while feeling through the body is far more concrete. We can actually understand the body MORE than we can understand the mind… unfortunately many individuals are disconnected from the body due to their own particular stress and trauma. This is why therapy can be so very helpful.
3. Enhancing Self-Awareness
When we tune into our bodies, we cultivate greater self-awareness. This helps us recognize the physical manifestations of our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to respond rather than react. Understanding how our body feels during times of stress can empower us to choose healthier coping strategies.
The body helps us to slow down our reactions so that we can operate from an authentic place and so that we can engage in behavior we feel proud of. Overthinking can lead to increased tension and stress in the body which further triggers the ongoing experience of overthinking. If we can intervene at the body, we can change both how we feel and how we think.
How to Get into the Body
1. Mindful Movement
Engage in activities like yoga, dance, or even simple stretching. These practices encourage you to focus on how your body moves and feels, promoting a sense of connection. For example, try a few sun salutations in yoga or put on your favorite music and let your body sway to the rhythm. Notice how different movements influence your mood and thoughts.
Then notice what it’s like to notice. As you become mindful of different body parts, different emotions or different sensations, more might start to surface. Being mindful means that you’re observing your present experience from a non-judgmental lens. So be sure to catch yourself when you get start to judge or criticize any part of your experience. Breathe through it, detach, come back into the present.
2. Mindful breathing
Notice how your breath feels as you begin connecting to your body. Whatever you do, remain cognizant of whether you’re observing with non-judgment or whether you begin to automatically judge the way you’re breathing or experiencing the body. Notice, label, observe and breathe. Focus less on trying to take in a deep breath and more on your intentional exhales and accepting inhales. Anxiety can make it challenging to take deep breaths at times, and there’s no pressure to breathe deeply.
Rather, focus on breathing mindfully, lovingly, and notice the changes that happen in your breath as you detach from your thoughts and come into deeper connection with your body.
3. Emotional Embodiment
Take a moment to identify an emotion you’re currently experiencing. Once you’ve recognized it, consciously embody that feeling through movement. For example, if you’re feeling joyful, allow your body to expand—raise your arms, smile, and move with lightness. If you’re feeling heavy or sad, try folding over or slowing down your movements. This practice helps integrate emotional experiences, making it easier to release overthinking.
It might feel extremely validating to embody your emotions, knowing that the experience is intentional and contained. Allowing your body to represent sadness won’t mean that you’ll remain sad all day long; especially when following your embodiment of sadness, you’re free to next embody acceptance, peace, hope or joy.
Conclusion
Getting into our bodies is a vital step in combating overthinking. By grounding ourselves, releasing pent-up emotions, and enhancing self-awareness, we can create a healthier relationship with our thoughts. Try incorporating mindful movement, mindful breathing and emotional embodiment into your daily routine. With practice, you’ll find that reconnecting with your body can lead to a more peaceful and present state of mind.
For more support, grab my free Emotional Processing Guide HERE.
Interested in working with a California virtual therapist? Schedule a free intro call HERE.