Finding Your Way Back to Your Body

There’s no denying it—our bodies are miraculous. When you think about all they do—ovulation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding—it’s hard not to be in awe. But what happens when your body doesn’t follow the rules you expect it to? Maybe you’re postpartum, feeling like a stranger in a body that’s changed in ways you don’t recognize and struggling to come to terms with its new size. Maybe you’re waiting patiently for a positive pregnancy test, confused and heartbroken, as you meticulously track your ovulation with no results. Or maybe you’re reeling from an unexpected pregnancy loss, grappling with feelings of guilt, even though deep down, you know it’s not your fault.

In these moments, it can feel like your body has let you down, leaving you disconnected and disheartened. Cultivating trust in your body again is a crucial step toward healing and self-love. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Here are some ways to begin nurturing that relationship.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions Without Judgment

Grief, frustration, anger, and even numbness are all valid reactions to what you’ve been through. It’s okay to feel what you feel. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend or partner, or seeking support from a therapist can help create space for those emotions. By allowing yourself to process them, you take the first step toward softening the disconnection between you and your body.

2. Practice Gentle Movement

Physical movement can help bridge the gap between your mind and body. Start with low-impact activities like walking, stretching, or yoga—movements that feel nourishing, not punishing. After my baby was born, merely a short walk around the block reminded me that my body could still move, carry me, and adapt. Start small if it feels overwhelming; a few minutes daily can make a difference.

3. Focus on Your Senses

Sometimes reconnecting with your body means starting small—really small. Spend a few moments each day noticing what you see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. Savor the warmth of your morning tea, feel the softness of a favorite blanket, or light a candle with a scent that brings you peace. These sensory moments can help you rediscover comfort and presence in your body.

4. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

It’s easy to blame or resent your body when things don’t go as planned. But would you speak to someone you love the way you talk to yourself? When negative thoughts arise, pause and reframe them. Instead of, Why can’t my body just work the way it’s supposed to? Try, My body is doing its best, and I am more than this moment. These small shifts can pave the way for a kinder inner dialogue.

5. Engage in Self-Care with Intention

Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate. For me, it was about finding little rituals that made me feel good—moisturizing my skin after a shower, wearing clothes that felt comfortable, or taking five quiet minutes to breathe. These acts of care remind you that your body deserves love, even when it feels unfamiliar.

6. Consider Bodywork or Somatic Therapy

Massage, acupuncture, or somatic therapy (which focuses on the body-mind connection) can be powerful tools for healing. These practices help release tension in your body and create a renewed sense of connection. If it feels right, consider exploring them as part of your journey.

7. Connect with Supportive Communities

You don’t have to go through this alone. Joining a support group or connecting with others who’ve faced similar challenges can be incredibly validating. Hearing someone say, “Me too,” can remind you that what you’re feeling is normal—and that healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation.

8. Cultivate Gratitude for What Your Body Can Do

It’s easy to focus on what your body hasn’t done or how it’s changed. Instead, try shifting your attention to what it has done: maybe it allowed you to hug a loved one, comfort your baby, or simply get out of bed on a hard day. Celebrating these small victories can help you see your body as a source of resilience and strength.

9. Be Patient with Yourself

Healing is not linear; reconnecting with your body won’t happen overnight. It’s okay if you take two steps forward and one step back. Celebrate your progress—no matter how small—and remind yourself that every step counts.

10. Seek Professional Support When Needed

If feelings of disconnection or distress linger, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in perinatal or reproductive mental health. They can offer tools and support tailored to your unique journey.

You Deserve Compassion and Care

Your body has been through so much, and feeling out of sync is okay. Reconnecting isn’t about “fixing” your body but learning to nurture and care for it as it is. Take it one step at a time, and remember: you are worthy of kindness, healing, and love—from yourself and others.