Can numbness occur?
Short Answer
Yes. Numbness can occur from fatigue, stress, or protective shutting down. If numbness persists, grounding practices (movement, temperature, sensory contact) are often better than intense inward focus.
Why This Matters
The body is often the most reliable anchor for mindfulness because sensation updates in real time. Body-based awareness reduces overthinking and increases nervous-system regulation. It also helps you notice stress signals earlier, before they escalate.
Where This Changes
For some people (especially with trauma history), intense inward body focus can feel overwhelming or dissociative. If that happens, widen attention, ground externally, or use movement-based practice.