Is My Body About To Betray Me Again?

There’s a silent, shame-laced fear many people carry — one that can deeply affect our ability to enjoy everyday life. It’s the fear that our body will betray us in a moment of stress: that we might faint, vomit, or lose control of our bowels or bladder.

This fear can be paralysing. It might stop us from speaking up at work, going on a date, boarding a bus, or even leaving the house at all. And yet, it’s rarely talked about — partly because it’s wrapped in taboo, but also because we’re often told it’s “all in our head.”

When we take these concerns to a doctor, they might do a series of tests, ask about our diet, scan for intolerances or infections — and ultimately tell us that nothing is physically wrong. That response can leave us feeling more confused, more alone, and even more ashamed. But the truth is, just because a fear doesn’t show up on a blood test doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

Often, these body-based fears are rooted in anxiety and trauma. When we’ve experienced something distressing — even years ago — our nervous system can stay on high alert. The body becomes hyper-sensitive, interpreting even minor sensations as potential threats. A gurgle in the stomach, a sudden wave of heat, a flutter in the chest — and suddenly we spiral, fearing the worst.

This is not weakness. It’s your body trying to protect you, in the only way it knows how. But living in a state of constant bodily mistrust can make us feel like strangers in our own skin.

So, how do we begin to rebuild that trust?

The answer often lies not just in talk therapy or mindfulness (though both can be powerful), but in learning how to feel safe inside our body again. Here are some examples of what you can do:

Restorative yoga
Restorative yoga offers a gentle way to rebuild trust in the body — inviting stillness without fear, and presence without pressure. Breath by breath, we begin to feel safe in our own skin again.

Somatic therapy or body-based healing
Working with a trauma-informed somatic therapist can help you tune into the body’s signals and process stored tension, slowly rewiring the nervous system’s response to perceived threats.

Breathwork (especially slow, conscious breath)
Practices like box breathing or extended exhales (e.g., inhale for 4, exhale for 6) can signal safety to your nervous system and help re-regulate the body in moments of overwhelm.

Touch-based grounding techniques
Using self-touch (placing a hand on your heart or belly) or gentle movement like tapping, swaying, or rocking can offer physical reassurance and help calm racing thoughts.

Nature walks or barefoot grounding
Simply walking outside and letting your body move without a “goal” — especially on uneven, natural ground — can help re-establish your trust in your physical presence and rhythm.

Journaling and body check-ins
Writing about your physical sensations, or simply asking yourself “What am I feeling in my body right now?” without judgement, can strengthen the connection between mind and body.

Cold or warm therapy (mindfully)
For some, a cold plunge or warm bath — done with intention — can bring a sense of control and presence back to the body. (Important: only if it feels grounding, not shocking!)

Intuitive movement or dance
Moving freely, with music or in silence, can gently invite you to befriend your body again — not for performance, but for expression.

Creative practices (drawing, clay, etc.)
Working with your hands, especially with natural materials, can bring you into the present moment and build a sense of agency.

If you've ever felt betrayed by your body, know this: you're not broken, and you're not alone. Reconnection is possible — softly, slowly, and always at your pace.