Your Body Cues and Understanding Your Anxiety from the Inside Out!

Have you ever felt your heart racing for no clear reason, your stomach in knots before a meeting, or that urge to either run or hide when something feels “off”? You’re not alone—and your body isn’t broken. In fact, it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do. Welcome to the world of Polyvagal Theory—a fascinating (and surprisingly fun) way to understand why we feel anxiety in our bodies. Think of it like a behind-the-scenes tour of your nervous system. At Connecticut Counseling Group, we believe that understanding why your body reacts the way it does is one of the first steps toward feeling more in control of your anxiety.

So, what is Polyvagal Theory, exactly? In simple terms, it’s the idea that our nervous system has different "gears" that help us respond to the world around us. Sometimes we’re in “safe and social” mode—calm, connected, and comfortable. Other times, our bodies shift into “fight or flight” (hello, racing heart and sweaty palms), or even “freeze” mode, where we shut down or feel numb. These responses aren’t choices—they’re automatic reactions to perceived danger, even if the “danger” is just a stressful email or an awkward social situation.

Anxiety often shows up when our nervous system is stuck in a high-alert mode, scanning for threats and sending signals throughout our body that something isn’t right. That’s why you might feel anxiety physically before your brain even catches up. The good news? There are ways to work with your nervous system, rather than against it. Breathwork, grounding exercises, movement, and even learning how to create safety in relationships can help shift your body back into that calm, regulated state.

At Connecticut Counseling Group, we love helping our clients learn how to decode the messages their bodies are sending. Anxiety doesn’t have to be a mystery or a monster—it can be a messenger, guiding you toward healing and balance. If you’re tired of feeling hijacked by your own body, we’re here to help you navigate the signals, understand the science, and find your way back to calm.