(004) What Is Interoception?
A daily practice that has enhanced my wellness habits.
I’m not alone in this quest that we have to reclaim our attention. Focusing on one specific task has become increasingly challenging, especially for those who work remotely from a computer all day. Many distractions are thrown our way, with social media being perhaps the biggest culprit. But even work-related distractions can leave us frustrated or feeling jumbled.
I was reading about the science behind focus/attention and self-regulation on separate occasions. Thanks to the all-seeing algorithm, I branched off into an inter-related subject. I came across a “hidden sense that shapes well-being,” known as interoception.
Interoception is the collection of bodily senses that provide information about your internal state. This includes physical sensations relating to internal organ functions, such as heartbeat and satiety. It helps us perceive how we’re feeling inside. Interoception is also linked to unconscious functions like digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, and other nervous system activity. For example, you’re under stress, and you feel your heart beating fast, or you have an upset stomach. Fortunately, there are ways to regulate the body’s response to stress, starting with awareness.
You can identify, access, and respond to these internal signals through body literacy and interoceptive awareness, putting you in the driver’s seat regarding your physical and emotional health. Activities like exercise and meditation are practical steps in increasing sensory awareness. When I work out, I intentionally place focus on my breathing and ensure I feel the contractions of the muscle groups I’m working with each movement.
I also set a daily timer (each day at 1 p.m.) for 20 minutes during the workday. During this time, I sit still at my desk and take stock of how I’m feeling internally. I like using this timer because the music is soothing, but do what works best for your needs. It’s a nice reset to each day, especially when you know you could use a break but would typically opt not to take it. It certainly helps me feel more focused and present. I’ve built this habit consistently to better respond to environment-related stressors as they come. Maintaining good habits on days you’re feeling great is crucial so you can apply them on the not-so-great days. Life happens, so it’s nice to be prepared for circumstances beyond our control.
I hope these tips help you! Let me know if they do. Thanks for reading!
-Trey