“I can’t seem to get out of my head.”

It’s the new philosophical plague of our generation. Our modern culture is digitally wired 24/7. Productivity and efficiency are our greatest character traits. And somehow, it’s still not enough for most people.

Many people report feeling drained, exhausted, and uninspired on a regular basis. And as a spiritual mentor, I see one common culprit that so many of us fall prey to. Disembodiment. Otherwise known as being “stuck in your head.” 

Today, we’re talking about the easiest and most-accessible antidote to being stuck in your head: physical embodiment. But this is more than just a workout. This is an intentional connection with the physical body through movement. Since our rationality is greatly influenced by our bodies, this is a powerful practice for mental well-being.

Keep reading for five easy practices for getting out of your head and into your body.

of this, we often end up feeling out of balance, neglected, and disconnected from ourselves, our communities, and our purpose.

If you’re regularly feeling drained, exhausted, and uninspired then it could be time to get out of your head and into your body.

Benefits of Physical Embodiment

Practices of physical embodiment are our true nature as organic beings. We’re meant to move! If we’re denying our bodies’ movement and release, then energy becomes built up and stagnant over time. But if we work to consciously release these energy buildups and get them out of our heads and into our bodies, there are multiple benefits we can enjoy.

• Cultivating body wisdom: the more you connect with your body, the more in tune you are with your internal state. This gives you a deeper connection to what your body needs, and a sense of being able to trust yourself.
• Healthier bodies: Or course, if you prioritize moving your body then you will be physically healthier. And our health is one of our greatest blessings. 
• Emotional resilience: When we give ourselves a chance to work through our blockages, we give ourselves the ability to release emotional & mental struggles more easily

So now that we understand why physical embodiment is good for us, let’s take a look at some practices to help us get there.

Practice 1: Yoga Asana

Yoga asana is one of the most ancient and revered spiritual practices. For the traditional yogis, the practice was seen as a way to set the mind up for meditation. Traditionally, yoga was meant as a way to clear the mind above anything else.

If you’re feeling a bit too stuck in your head and you have some time and physical space, give yourself a 30-minute yoga session. The practice of yoga almost forces you out of your head and into presence, as it demands strength and balance in the body. If you’re not focused on what your body is doing, you might fall over!

Practice 2: Ecstatic Dance

Ecstatic dance is taking off like a wildfire in the spirituality space these days. If the austerity and form of traditional yoga turn you off, this might be a better alternative for you. Unlike the structured postures of yoga, ecstatic dance is all about uninhibited movement and the full expression of your emotions through dance.

To practice, set yourself up in a space where you feel comfortable and can move freely. Turn on any music that lifts your spirit and makes you want to move. Close your eyes and let your body guide you. Try not to worry too much about what you look like or if you’re doing it “right.” Just move in whatever way feels good to you.

Get Out of Your Head: a Guided Yoga & Ecstatic Dance Practice

55 min. slow flow yoga & ecstatic dance practice

props needed: none

For my practice, I’m using my favorite sustainable yoga rug from Öko Living. These mats are ethically hand-loomed out of organic cotton and dyed with medicinal herbs. Plus, they come from a small women-owned business! If you’d like to grab your own yoga rug, use my code 10thelocalmystic to save $10 on your order.

Practice 3: Self-Massage

Self-massage is a beautiful act of self-love and embodiment. By showing yourself a little TLC, you remind yourself that you are worthy of love and care. On a more scientific level, you’re also releasing built-up tension through your muscles and the fascia. This quite literally makes your body feel lighter and freer.

To practice, set yourself in a comfortable space. If you like you can light some candles and burn some incense. Start with the soles of your feet, massaging through your archways or anywhere else you feel tension. You can close your eyes and lean

deeply into the physical sensations. As you’re ready, work your way up to massage your calves, thighs, shoulders, neck, or anywhere else you feel drawn to.

Practice 4: Intimacy

Ancient Tantra Yogis knew that full embodiment comes from connecting deeply with the body, and accessing pleasure is a big part of that. This practice can be done with a partner or by yourself. If you have a sense of guilt or shame when it comes to your sexuality, take this practice very slowly. Start with the self-massage practice listed above and visualize yourself shedding the layers of pain and expectation. Your body is your own, and pleasure is your divine right.

Even for those who identify as sexually liberated, it can still be easy to get into your head with this practice. Whenever you notice that you’re “somewhere else” mentally, or you’re plagued with mental insecurities, try to bring your awareness fully back to the physical sensations of the body and honor yourself or your partner.

Practice 5: Connecting to your Senses

This is the best practice to take with you “on the go.” You can utilize this practice at any moment, in any location. Because of this, this is a wonderful practice for those experiencing immediate anxiety. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or anxious, just remember the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Practice.

Start by taking a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then begin to identify five things you can see. Say them out loud if you need to. Then identify four things you can touch. Then identify three things you can hear, then two things you smell, then one thing you can taste. 

All of these practices are powerful ways to redirect mental energy to the present moment. In other words: get out of your head!