So I’ve noticed that whenever I apply pressure to my upper body, especially my chest, I feel a sense of relief from my anxiety. It’s like that nagging butterfly feeling I feel on the inside almost completely disappears!

Sometimes I find myself rubbing/massaging my chest while lying down or sitting on the couch and it feels really soothing after a while. But what feels even better is lying down in bed and having a significant other lie her entire body flat on my chest or back. I know that sounds weird, but I think there’s something about the pressure of her bodyweight on my chest or back that feels really soothing and makes the anxiety almost completely disappear. And since she’s heavier and able to cover more surface area than my hands can, I find it more effective. 

I’ve also been able to mimic that pressure with other methods that work well:
 - I bought a 25lb weighted blanket (I’m a big guy) a few months ago, and I have been getting the best, anxiety free sleep ive had in years! Sometimes I like to lie on my back, fold the blanket into a nice compact square, and rest it on my chest, which feels great!
- I also sometimes make a nice big firm pile of pillows/blankets on my bed and lie across this pile (belly/chest down). It feels very soothing and the anxiety minimizes greatly. 

A few other things that work well for me:
- spooning (something about the contact on my chest/belly is really soothing, or my back if I’m the little spoon lol)
- Also a nice prolonged, firm hug sometimes feels like the anxiety is literally being squeezed out of me lol


I really hope someone can relate to this in someway! I feel like I tend to focus so much on the mental side of my anxiety that I forget about the physical aspect. For me, the physical part of anxiety manifests itself as the rushing, nagging butterfly feeling in my chest and part of my belly. It’s a feeling that never goes away and seemingly intensifies when I’m trying to relax. 

I’m interested to hear if anyone can relate or has found similar methods helpful. Does your anxiety manifest itself physically? How do you deal with the physical aspects of your anxiety? 

Can anyone else relate to feeling anxiety relief through pressure, touch, or any other physical means I may not have mentioned or should try?

I’d also like to know, is there a reason why anxiety can sometimes have physical symptoms? And why can it be relieved through certain physical sensations?

Thanks in advance for any responses, methods, stories, or insight!