Understanding Interoception: The Key to Feeling Your Feels

Today, I want to introduce you to a concept that might be new to some of you: interoception. It’s a fancy term, but the idea behind it is simple—and incredibly important. Let’s dive in.

What Is Interoception?

Interoception is all about how we sense and feel the internal sensations in our bodies. Think of it as your brain’s way of keeping tabs on what’s happening inside you. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Does your heart start racing when you're anxious, or do you feel butterflies when you're excited? That’s interoception at work.

Why Should You Care?

Understanding interoception can have a big impact on your daily life. Here’s why:

• Listening to Your Body’s Signals: Ever been so wrapped up in something that you forgot to eat until you were absolutely starving? Or maybe you ignored that “I need to use the bathroom” feeling until you were in a rush? That’s your interoceptive system getting dulled, often due to stress. When we lose touch with these signals, we can end up ignoring our body’s basic needs.
• Overstimulation: On the flip side, sometimes our interoception goes into overdrive. We might feel every little thing intensely—like being overly aware of your heartbeat or feeling anxious without a clear reason. This can make it hard to relax or feel at ease.

How to Tune In to Your Body

The good news is that we can work on our interoception. Here’s one way to start:

Recognize Body Signals as Clues to Your Emotions: Begin by paying attention to the physical sensations in your body and connecting them to what you’re feeling emotionally. For example, if you notice your muscles are tense, ask yourself, “Am I feeling stressed or anxious?” If your stomach is growling, consider whether hunger is influencing your mood. Or if your eyes feel heavy, think about whether it’s a sign of exhaustion or sadness. By acknowledging these signals, you can better understand and respond to your emotional state.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and working with your interoception can be a game-changer for your well-being. By tuning in to what your body is telling you, you can better care for yourself and find more balance in your daily life.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions by emailing me at [email protected].