Actually, Its NOT All In Your Head: Emotions As Energy

"You're just overthinking it!"

"It's all in your head!"

Well, it just doesn’t work that way y’all. And unfortunately, unless your mom happens to be a therapist (wink wink), you're not likely to get much guidance in this area during your development. Our society and culture as a whole do not promote the acceptance of our emotions, particularly the unpleasant ones. As a result, we often don't make the connection between our emotions and how they affect our bodies until later in life.

The bright side! This article has some helpful tips and tricks that you can not only implement in your own life, but also share with those closest to you – whether it be loved ones, friends, ex-partners, or even frenemies. After all, everyone deserves to live their best life!

The Role of Emotions.
Emotions are a form of energy that moves through our bodies, often perceived as either expansion or contraction. They serve as a guide and motivate us to take action, activating various systems within our bodies. By stimulating systems such as the Cardiovascular, Skeletomuscular, Neuroendocrine, and Nervous System, this built-in warning system enables us to recognize our feelings before we’re even aware of them consciously.

Fun Fact: The Latin term for "emotion," emotere, translates to "energy in motion." Every emotion comprises sensations that we feel, and it's our perception of those sensations that ascribes them significance and a term.

Express Don’t Suppress! Unresolved emotions can have detrimental effects on our physical well-being, causing damage to our organs, muscles, and tissues, leading to inflammation and chronic health conditions.

The following are physical indicators that may suggest unexpressed emotions:

• Changes in vision and hearing

• Lump in the throat

• Numbness

• Muscle tension or tightness

• Heaviness feeling

• Teeth grinding

• Fibromyalgia

• Headaches and bodyaches

• Stomach distress

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Memory problems

Acknowledging and processing emotions can reduce stress, promote healing, and improve self-regulation. However, reconnecting with body sensations takes practice and patience. Here are some tools to aid in connecting the mind and body.

Slow down and check in. Our bodies constantly communicate with us, but it can be challenging to tune in. When experiencing discomfort, taking a moment to slow down or pause can help you take control and make more informed decisions.

Notice and Explore. Do a body scan practice by taking deep breaths, closing your eyes, and identifying any sensations from tension or discomfort. Start from the top of your head and work your way down, paying attention to any sensations and noting the areas of your body that respond.

Describe.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Name it to tame it”? Essentially, this means that we can better manage our reactions when we comprehend our feelings. Consider changing your thought process from “I am” to “I feel” when labeling your emotions, as this shift can be quite impactful. It's important to remember that you are not defined by your emotions, but rather you experience them. Ask yourself what the sensation feels like and what it might be trying to communicate (explore the Felt Sense Vocabulary). The objective is to move the energy of the emotion out of your body, allowing you to let it go.

To gain insight into how your body responds to various emotions, this list highlights the areas of the body often linked to specific emotional states. (also check out this fun article!)

• Anger: Head and chest

• Disgust: Mouth and stomach

• Sadness: Throat and chest

• Anxiety: Chest and gut

• Shame: Face and chest

• Happiness: Felt throughout the body

Articulating emotions and their physical sensations can be challenging, particularly if dissociation has been used as a coping mechanism in the past. Give yourself some grace and keep practicing, as this exercise can offer valuable insights and support a healthy mind and body.

Everyone navigates their emotions differently. If you’re a newbie to emotional expression, maybe try some of these.

• Everyone navigates their emotions differently. If you’re a newbie to emotional expression, maybe try some of these.

  • Engage in movements like running, shaking or jumping jacks

  • Dance

  • Find a quiet place (in nature, bonus!) to rest

  • Write down your thoughts in a journal

  • Discuss your feelings with a trusted person

  • Use your emotions to create an art piece that reflects your experience

  • Allow yourself to cry

  • Scream out loud

  • Practice mindfulness meditation

  • Focus on positive or neutral sensations in your body

  • Move your fingers and toes

  • Drink warm tea or ice cold water

Connecting emotions and body sensations requires practice and compassion, and working with a therapist can provide additional resources for handling life's challenges with confidence. UnEarthed Therapy + Yoga has therapists that specialize in somatic interventions to support you in reconnecting to the authentic you.

Love + light,

Laura