Coming Out of the Brain and Into the Body

There was a time in my life when I believed the key to every problem was to think harder, analyse more, or figure things out. If I could just crack the code in my mind, I’d find peace. But what I discovered (and I’ve since seen in many other men) is that the more we live in our heads, the more we disconnect from the wisdom of our bodies.

We’re often taught that rational thought is the ultimate tool for navigating life. While thinking has its place, it can become a trap, especially when dealing with stress, trauma, or emotions that feel too big to face. Overthinking can spiral into anxiety or numbness, keeping us stuck in loops of ‘what ifs’ and ‘should haves.’ Then, when our mind spins out of reality into negative thoughts, our body responds.

The body, however, operates differently. It doesn’t need to overthink; it just knows. While the cognitive mind processes 40 bits of information per second, the body is processing 11 million. This means the body senses when something is wrong before the mind does - and will ‘tell’ us when we are not aligned. A tight chest might signal unspoken sadness. A clenched jaw could reveal suppressed anger. These aren’t things the mind can always make sense of, but the body feels and remembers. When we ignore these signals, tension can escalate - not just into muscle pain; but into chronic stress, heart issues, or even degenerative diseases.

Why Feeling Matters

For me, a key question is ‘How can we bring the body and mind back into alignment so that we are responding with integrity?’ It’s not through medication. The anxious person is not a malfunctioning machine that needs fixing. Equally, coming out of the brain and into the body is not about abandoning thought. It’s about rebalancing - giving yourself permission to feel what’s happening within. When we reconnect with the body, we access something deeper: our intuition, our capacity for healing, and our connection to the present moment.

Research into mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork shows how tuning into physical sensations can regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and help release stored trauma. Equally, practices such as Qi Gong and Yoga help us to tune into the body and help our energy to flow. Think of the body’s signals as breadcrumbs leading us back to emotional clarity and self-awareness!

My Journey from Thinking to Feeling

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It started with small moments - pausing to notice my breath when I felt overwhelmed; taking a walk when my thoughts became too intense, or placing a hand on my heart when I felt disconnected. At first, it felt odd, but over time, I began to trust that my body wasn’t working against me; it was trying to guide me.

Whenever I'm facing a difficult decision, and my mind goes into overdrive, I can try writing lists of pros and cons; I can seek advice from friends and colleagues and too often I replay scenarios endlessly in my mind. However, clarity only ever really comes when I sit quietly, close my eyes, and pay attention to the sensations in my body. In the past, the tightness in my stomach has told me everything my over-thinking has obscured - that the path I was considering wasn’t right for me.

Why This Matters for Men

For many men, the idea of coming out of the brain and into the body can feel really odd - its often unfamiliar and uncomfortable. From a young age, we are conditioned to prioritise logic, action, and independence over emotions and intuition. Vulnerability is too often framed as weakness; and many men learn to push through discomfort or bury it rather than sitting with it.

This can lead to a disconnect, where emotional signals are ignored until they manifest as stress, burnout, or physical symptoms like tension, pain and anger. By learning to tune into our bodies, we can access an untapped source of strength - one that comes from balance rather than suppression.

I’ve seen this transformation numerous times in men who begin to trust their gut feelings; process long-held emotions and find clarity in situations where logic alone fell short. It’s not about abandoning rationality; but integrating it with the body’s innate wisdom.

How to Start Listening to Your Body

If this idea resonates with you, here are some simple ways to start reconnecting with your body:

1. Pause and Breathe: When your thoughts feel overwhelming, take a moment to focus on your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. This simple act can ground you in the present.
2. Body Scans: Spend a few minutes scanning your body from head to toe. What sensations do you notice? Tightness, warmth, tension? Be curious, rather than judgmental.
3. Move with Intention: Gentle movement like stretching, walking, or yoga can help release stored emotions. Notice how your body feels as you move.
4. Name the Feeling: If you notice physical sensations, try naming the emotion they might be connected to. For example, a lump in your throat might signal sadness or the need to speak up.
5. Trust Small Signals: Start paying attention to those gut feelings or moments of tension. They’re often subtle, but carry valuable insights.

Final Thoughts

We live in a culture that often values thinking over feeling, but the truth is we need both. By stepping out of the mental noise and tuning into the body, we create space for greater clarity, resilience, and connection. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

For men in particular, this shift can be transformative. It’s a way to step into a healthier, more balanced version of what it means to be a man - one that honours both the mind and the body.?

If you find yourself stuck in your head, I encourage you to take a moment today to pause, breathe, and feel. Your body holds wisdom your mind can’t always access. Trust it. The journey back to yourself starts there.

I know how difficult it can be for men to open up and be vulnerable about this topic but if you know someone who you think would benefit, share this newsletter in a private message with them, or direct them to my website where there are more articles on this subject and other Men’s Mental Health issues - and if you want to explore this further, get in touch. Send me a message and we can book in a free 30 minute video call. Small steps can make a big difference.