Getting out of your head and into your body: How ACT & Somatic Awareness can work together for embodied and inspired action

Most of us know the feeling of being stuck in our head, thoughts looping, worries piling up,

and emotions that just won’t switch off. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a

powerful way of learning to step out of that struggle, accept what we can’t control, and

focus on living in line with what matters most.

But here’s the thing: stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions don’t just stay in the mind. They

show up in the body too… in tight soulders, a racing heart, or a restless tension you can’t

quite shake. That’s where somatics comes in.

What do we mean by Somatic Awareness?

Somatic Awareness is simply the practice of paying attention to the body using body

awareness techniques. It’s when we pay close attention to our body’s sensations, posture,

breath, and nervous system responses. It’s about noticing the messages your body is giving

you, often before your mind has even caught up.

When ACT and Somatic Awareness are combined, therapy becomes more than just talking

about thoughts and feelings. It becomes an experience that helps you feel grounded and

steady, not just think about being grounded.

Why integrate ACT with Somatic Awareness?

Because thoughts and feelings don’t exist in isolation. They land in the body too.

Integrating Somatic Awareness with ACT allows you to:

• Notice where emotions are felt in the body.

• Learn simple tools to release tension and regulate your nervous system.

• Take values-based action from a place of steadiness, not overwhelm.

• Strengthen the mind–body connection so change isn’t just an idea, it’s something you embody.

The benefits of ACT + Somatic Awareness

When the two are woven together, people often notice:

• More calm, grounding and breath help reduce reactivity.

• Stronger resilience, you can sit with difficult emotions without feeling consumed by them.

• Clarity in choices, a regulated body makes it easier to act in line with your values.

• Change that lasts, because it’s not just mental, it’s physical and embodied.

What it can look like in practice

An integrated session might involve:

• Using ACT’s “dropping anchor” technique alongside breath or grounding.

• Exploring your values while paying attention to how your body feels as you connect with them.

• Practicing defusion from unhelpful thoughts by shifting posture or releasing physical tension.

These practices help move therapy from “thinking differently” into actually living differently.

Final thoughts

Real change happens when both mind and body are on board. ACT provides the framework

to focus on what matters, while somatic practices give you the tools to calm your nervous system and feel grounded enough to take action.

Together, they create a pathway out of survival mode and into a life that feels more present, connected, and sustainable.

If you’re curious about how ACT and Somatic Awareness could support you, we’d love to

walk alongside you. Click here to book a session or have a chat about how this approach

might fit your journey.

When we talk about ACT and Somatic Awareness, I’m describing how I weave body-based

awareness into ACT sessions. It’s not a separate therapy, but an integration that supports

healing in both mind and body.