Stress doesn’t just live in our thoughts—it often hides in our shoulders, jaw, back, or other areas we may forget to notice. One simple and effective way to reconnect with your body is to gently guide your attention through it, moving from your feet to your head and back again.

There’s no need to “fix” anything. Simply noticing where your body feels tight, heavy, or tense sends a quiet signal to your nervous system to relax. With regular practice, this mindfulness exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase awareness of tension before it builds.

Here’s how to try it:

  1. Sit or lie down comfortably in a quiet space.

  2. Begin at your feet, noticing sensations such as warmth, tingling, or pressure.

  3. Slowly move upward—legs, hips, chest, shoulders, arms, face—pausing wherever you feel tension.

  4. Breathe gently into those areas, imagining space, softness, and release.

  5. When you reach the top of your head, pause, or gently bring your awareness back down to your feet.

Even just a few minutes of this body scan can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and ready to carry ease into your weekend.

Annika Schaefer

Annika Schaefer

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