How do I put body sensations into words to answer “I am most distracted when my body feels…”?

Start with a 30-second body scan: head to toes, note the first neutral words that show up (tight, buzzy, heavy, floaty, hot, cold). Separate sensation from story: write one line that’s purely physical, then a second line that names the thought that tags along. Try this template in Stoic: “When I’m distracted my body feels [sensation words]. This leads me to think [thoughts].” Keep it simple and concrete—2–5 sensation words are enough. If you get stuck, compare: “Right now feels more [buzzy/tight] than yesterday’s [loose/steady].”

I have anxiety/ADHD and my body feels loud all day. How can I keep this prompt from spiraling into a rant?

Time-box the entry and use a micro-structure. In Stoic, write exactly three lines: 1) Finish the sentence once: “I am most distracted when my body feels… [top sensation only].” 2) Give one example from today (where/when it happened). 3) Name one consequence you notice (e.g., lose track of a task) without trying to fix it. This keeps the focus on noticing, not solving. If extra thoughts pop up, park them under a quick “later” list and return to the three lines.

What if I feel numb or “nothing”—how do I journal about distraction when my body is blank?

Write the absence. Try: “I am most distracted when my body feels blank, like [metaphor: fog/muted TV/underwater].” Rate the “blankness” 0–10, then note any tiny signals at the edges (temperature, posture, pressure points). Compare now to a time you felt more present—what’s different in breath, energy, or pace? End with Stoic’s lens: list what’s within control to observe next time (breath count, where attention goes) and what’s not (when the numb wave arrives). Keeping the entry short preserves clarity and compassion.

Journaling Idea - On Discomfort.

Finish the sentence: “I am most distracted when my body feels…”

Try to capture the first thoughts. What is it like to be distracted by your own body?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Aug 3, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

Finish the sentence: “I am most distracted when my body feels…”

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