Somatic anxiety
Somatic anxiety is the bodily component of an anxious state: physiological sensations such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, shaking and muscle tension. It is how anxiety feels in the body, as distinct from anxious thoughts.
Definition
Somatic anxiety reflects the physiological arousal you perceive in your body: heartbeat, breathing, muscle tone, shaking, butterflies in the stomach. It is distinguished from cognitive anxiety, the stream of anxious thoughts. Both components make up overall pre-competition anxiety, but they are managed with different techniques.
How it shows up in sport
Before the start an athlete feels a pounding heart, shaking legs, a dry mouth, frequent trips to the toilet and stiff muscles. These sensations usually build sharply before going out and drop away as soon as movement begins. Physical symptoms are most often what lies behind the complaint of pre-competition anxiety.
Related tests
The somatic component is measured separately in state anxiety questionnaires, which include a scale of bodily sensations. You can find a suitable assessment in the tests section. Comparing the somatic and cognitive scales shows which one to work on first.
Exercises
Breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and a warm-up that shakes off excess tension work best on physical anxiety. The practices are available in the exercises section. Since the symptom is physiological, you work on it through the body rather than by telling yourself to calm down.
Related terms and issues
The concept is closely tied to arousal and cognitive anxiety, and to stress. The practical version of it is pre-competition anxiety. If the physical episodes are strong and recurring, it is worth consulting our specialists.
FAQ
How is somatic anxiety different from cognitive anxiety?
Somatic anxiety is the bodily sensations (pulse, shaking, tension), while cognitive anxiety is the anxious thoughts and doubts. They often come together, but they are relieved by different methods.
Why do my hands shake and my heart pound before the start?
It is a normal sympathetic nervous system response to an important event — the body is mobilizing. It only becomes a problem when the intensity is high enough to interfere with performing.
Related topics
See also
When you need a personal review
If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.