What’s “interoception” Steph?

Simply put, interoception is the connection between our body and brain. This connection can get interrupted for all sorts of reasons, but some common things that can get in the way are trauma, and being conditioned to ignore our bodies signals to please others or to fit a schedule or expectation.

(N.B. If you have experienced trauma that has made being in your body very unsafe (e.g. experiencing abuse, violence or sexual trauma), I would suggest it is useful to have been supported with those experiences before starting to reconnect with your body)

Research has started to show a connection between low levels of interoception and poor body image (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210903085908.htm), and indeed some of the steps of intuitive eating and HAES inclusive care already encourage a reconnection between mind and body – what movement feels good for you, what tastes good, what satisfies, feeling when are you hungry and when are you full.

We can encourage reconnection to our bodies in other ways too, by checking in with other body functions and needs, getting curious about what’s going on and tending to the things that need tending to – like not putting off going to the loo because you want to do more work, or not asking for a drink of water because you don’t want to be a bother.

This might be super tough at first, especially if we’re used to putting our needs last, but with regular practice, we can strengthen the connection between our bodily signals and brain again, and use our own needs as a barometer of when to eat/sleep/exercise/rest/call a friend/cuddle up under a blanket cuz it’s hella cold.

(Please note: this blog is for resource and information only. It is not a substitute for counselling. If you think you might like to start counselling, you can use this page to get in contact for a free 15-20 minute initial call to find out more. )