Shrinking posture
In the suffocating grip of narcissistic abuse, your body may adopt a protective stance that speaks volumes about your internal struggle. You might catch yourself slouching, hunching your shoulders, or drawing inward, trying to take up as little space as possible. This shrinking posture is a defense mechanism, thinking that if you make yourself smaller, maybe you will be safe. Trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains that when people feel trapped in fear, they instinctively contract, almost as if their body is trying to hide. You are unconsciously hoping to avoid attention or confrontation from the narcissist. To overcome this, practice standing tall and expanding your body in safe spaces, reinforcing your sense of safety and confidence.
Frequent throat clearing
In the aftermath of narcissistic abuse, even your throat can become a battleground of unspoken emotions. If you’ve been through narcissistic abuse, you might notice yourself clearing your throat a lot. Frequent throat clearing can be your body’s way of trying to regain control or ease the tension in a stressful situation. You want to make your voice heard, but the fear of confrontation keeps getting in the way. To overcome frequent throat clearing, practice speaking your thoughts and feelings in low-pressure situations to build confidence and reduce tension.
Frequent swallowing
Have you ever noticed someone swallowing frequently during a conversation? It might look like a normal action, but it can be a sign of stress, especially in the context of narcissistic abuse. When you’re feeling tense or anxious, your body can react in ways like this. So, if you find yourself or someone else gulping or swallowing more than usual, it might indicate an underlying tension or discomfort in the situation. Your body is trying to cope with the emotional weight of what’s going on. It reflects feelings of unease or fear that come from dealing with a narcissistic person. To overcome the stress that causes frequent swallowing, practice deep breathing and grounding techniques to calm your mind and body.
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