Overcome Fear of PHYSICAL sensations
‘Interoceptive’ Exposure Practice
Exercise 5
Shaking, tension, tightness
ANXIOUS THOUGHTS
“I can’t move” – “ I might fall over” – “I need to sit down”
ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Shaking, tension and tightness are common symptom of anxiety – caused by the fight or flight response.
TENSE EVERY MUSCLE in your body for one minute
DROP SAFETY BEHAVIOURS
ie. Don’t sit or lie down. Don’t ‘try’ to relax.
OBSERVE
The effects of anticipatory anxiety, misinterpretation, catastrophisation and changes in the degree of belief in the old thoughts as you implement your alternative perspective.
REFLECT
ie. I was still able to move. Tension cant immobilise anyone.