12/22/2025
There are days when my body feels distant, as if I'm floating just above it, watching a list grow and answering messages without truly registering the words.
This is typically when anxiety starts to creep in, like a low-level hum in the background that makes it hard to feel settled.
Here are the somatic tools I rely on in those moments:
1. Walking without a destination
I take a walk not for exercise or cardio but simply to experience the rhythm of my heels hitting the ground, the weight of my arms swinging, and the pressure of my breath mixing with the cool air. Whether on city streets or in my backyard, I focus on noticing the textures around me instead of attempting to control my thoughts.
2. Holding something cold
Whether it's an ice cube, a chilled spoon, or a ceramic mug straight from the fridge, the sensation of cold registers faster than thinking. It brings my awareness back into my hands, grounding me in the present moment where sensation and awareness converge.
3. Pressing my feet into the floor while sitting
Regardless of whether I'm on a couch, in a car, or just waiting in line, I shift my attention to the soles of my feet and gently press down. This reminds my body that it is supported, that there is a foundation beneath me, and that I don’t need to brace myself for impact.
4. Humming softly
When my chest feels tight or my voice feels stuck, I hum just enough to create a gentle vibration that I can feel in my nose, throat, and ribcage. It's less about the sound and more about the resonance, providing internal feedback that is grounding.
5. Naming one internal sensation
I pause and ask myself, "What’s happening in my body right now?" This is not an attempt to fix anything but rather to acknowledge it. I might say, "My stomach feels dense," "There’s heat in my chest," or "My jaw is clenched." Sometimes simply naming the sensation is enough to shift it; other times it remains. Regardless, I reconnect with myself.