We often talk about careers in terms of goals, skills, and ambitions. Strengths, growth zones, strategies. But very few people pay attention to something that speaks even before thoughts arise – the body.
The body feels everything first. It tightens, freezes, tenses up, blocks impulse. You might be an adult, experienced, smart – and still, the moment you need to speak up, show up, lead or simply start – something clamps up inside. And no, it’s not “just nerves.” These are body tension blocks.
Muscle tension isn’t a metaphor. It’s a real physical pattern – often formed over years. The body records it as a reaction to stress, fear, shame, or emotional pain. And in the workplace, it shows up most clearly – in meetings, presentations, leadership roles, or moments when you need to protect your boundaries.
You can work on your confidence, your voice, your delivery – but if your body is tense, the voice will still shake. If your chest is closed, you won’t inspire. If your pelvis is disconnected, there will be no energy to move forward.
Here are the most common body blocks and how they show up at work:
1. Eye block
What it is: fear of being seen, making a mistake, or saying the wrong thing
How it shows up: avoiding eye contact, difficulty holding someone’s gaze, a feeling of becoming invisible
Влияние на карьеру: тебя не видят, не слышат, не воспринимают как сильную фигуру.
What to do: start with eye contact in the mirror. Then practice keeping your gaze steady in conversation. Observe what your body does in response.
2. Jaw block
What it is: suppressed emotions – anger, crying, shouting
How it shows up: tight jaw, tense face, pressure in the voice
Impact at work: it’s hard to disagree, speak directly, or stand up for yourself
What to do: release your jaw consciously. Stretch it downward, make small circular movements, allow yourself to yawn. Even reading aloud in a warm tone helps.
3. Throat block
What it is: fear of being judged or silenced
How it shows up: lump in the throat, frequent coughing, weak or shaky voice
Impact at work: hard to present yourself, speak clearly in groups, or project confidence
What to do: hum, sing, read aloud, speak on a long exhale. Gently reconnecting with your voice helps restore your right to speak.
4. Chest block
What it is: a closed heart center, difficulty expressing feelings
How it shows up: tightness, coldness, shallow breath
Impact at work: you struggle to engage, connect, or inspire others
What to do: breathe into the chest. Gently open your shoulders, lift your chest, use your hands when speaking.
5. Diaphragm block
What it is: tension around the solar plexus, linked to rejection and resistance
How it shows up: difficulty handling pressure, criticism, or emotional closeness
Impact at work: avoidance of difficult conversations, trouble with close collaboration
What to do: place your hands on your solar plexus and breathe into that area. Notice tension. Practice safe closeness – in team work and dialogue.
6. Abdominal block
What it is: low energy, apathy, self-doubt
How it shows up: fatigue, sluggishness, digestive issues
Impact at work: you lack inner resources – hard to take on big projects or be proactive
What to do: gentle movements around the pelvis and belly, small forward bends, working with your body’s center of gravity. Energy is restored through the body, not willpower.
7. Pelvic block
What it is: suppressed life energy, drive, and desire
How it shows up: weak legs, unstable walk, disconnection from impulse
Impact at work: you know what to do, but can’t move. You stall, freeze, hesitate
What to do: grounding practices – walking, dancing, standing yoga. Anything that brings you back into your legs and your forward motion.
Noticed some of these in yourself? The good news is – you can work with them. The good news is – you can work with them.
First, admit they’re there. A body block isn’t weakness. It’s a signal. A sign your body has been protecting you, and sometimes at the cost of your full potential.
Second – don’t try to solve it all in your head. Working with the body isn’t a replacement for therapy. It’s a part of returning to yourself.
Sometimes, you need a psychotherapist – especially if the tension is rooted in trauma or shame, or repetitive stressful pattern. Sometimes – a body-based practitioner: osteopath, somatic coach, voice teacher. And sometimes, all it takes is this: noticing where you contract, where you shut down, where you swallow words instead of speaking them.
Releasing body blocks isn’t about “relaxing and loving yourself.” It’s about regaining the ability to be fully alive – to breathe, move, speak, and feel. We often think we’re stuck in our heads – but we’re actually stuck in our bodies.
If you feel like you’re holding yourself back, hiding, freezing – start with the body.
Don’t rush. It’s not the enemy. It’s just been protecting you for a long, long time.
Maybe now it’s ready to let go.