You’re not imagining it. Anxiety really can live in your body. The tight chest, the jittery hands, the lump in your throat. These are all physical signs that your nervous system is trying to keep up. If you’ve been wondering why you feel so heavy, so tense, or so “not yourself,” you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not stuck.

Let’s take a moment to understand what’s going on beneath the surface, without judgment and at your pace.

Anxiety Isn’t Just in Your Head

Many people think of anxiety as just “worrying too much.” But for most clients I see, anxiety is something they feel in their body every single day. Your nervous system is always on alert, scanning for threats—real or imagined. Over time, this constant state of stress can take a toll on your physical body.

You might not even realise you’re anxious until your body tells you:

  • “I can’t relax.”
  • “Something’s off.”
  • “I feel wired… or completely flat.”

That’s your body speaking. And it’s worth listening.

What It Feels Like in the Body

Clients often describe anxiety in physical terms because that’s how it shows up first. These symptoms are real and valid, even when others don’t see them.

Common physical signs include:

  • A tight or heavy chest
  • Shaky hands or tense muscles
  • Dry mouth or shortness of breath
  • Feeling light-headed, hot, or cold
  • Digestive issues (nausea, cramps, appetite changes)
  • Trouble sleeping or waking up exhausted

Some say it feels like carrying a weight they can’t drop. Others feel like they’re always holding their breath. These are not signs of weakness. They’re signs your nervous system is overloaded.

Why the Body Responds This Way

This isn’t something you’re making up. It’s how the brain and body are wired. When you’re anxious, your body flips into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, even when there’s no actual danger around.

This survival response is automatic and ancient. It’s your brain trying to keep you safe. The issue is, your body doesn’t always know when the threat is over. So it stays activated. That constant activation can leave you feeling:

  • Tense or jumpy
  • Numb or disconnected
  • Exhausted, no matter how much you rest

You might feel like your body is against you. But it’s actually trying to protect you. The good news is, you can teach it to feel safe again.

Gentle Ways to Support Your Body

You don’t need to “push through” anxiety. You can work with your body instead of against it. Many clients find relief through calming, body-based approaches that help them feel grounded and safe again.

Some calming strategies include:

  • Slow, steady breathing (especially exhaling longer than you inhale)
  • Gentle body movements like walking, stretching, or swaying
  • Soothing touch (like placing a hand on your chest or stomach)
  • Warm showers, weighted blankets, or grounding textures
  • Practices like focusing on sounds, textures, or breath

These might seem simple. But simple is often what your nervous system needs. You don’t need a complicated fix. You just need permission to slow down and reconnect.

You’re Not Alone in This

If you’ve been blaming yourself for feeling this way, please stop. You’re not weak. You’re not “too sensitive.” Your body is doing its best to carry what your mind hasn’t had space to unpack yet.

Many clients say things like:

  • “I had no idea this was anxiety.”
  • “I thought I was just tired or lazy.”
  • “I felt broken.”

But after just a few safe, focused sessions, they started feeling clearer, lighter, and more in control. Not perfect. Just better. And that’s where real change begins.

H2: Book Your 15-Minute Consultation

This is your space. No pressure. No judgement. Just a calm conversation where we can talk about how anxiety is showing up in your body, and what we can do together to help shift it. It only takes one small step to start. Let’s walk it together.