This is a list of sensations or words based on the five senses (taste, touch, sound, smell, sight). Sensations are a fantastic way to describe whatever is going on in your body.
I’ve divided this list up into categories that kind of make sense to me. The categories are very, very loose so keep that in mind when looking for a word to describe a sensation you are experiencing.
The list is incomplete! Can you think of more words to describe sensations? If so, add them in the comments. And, yes, absolutely, made up words are not only allowed but desired! Click here if you want to know what to do with this list.
The category of common sensations:
- Tender
- Sensitive
- Bruised
- Achy
- Sore
- Tense
- Tight
- Nauseous
Sensations that just won’t stay still:
- Shaky
- Trembly
- Throbbing
- Pounding
- Fluttery
- Shivery
- Queasy
- Wobbly
- Bubbly
- Dizzy
- Spacey
- Breathless
Sensations that have a nerve-quality:
- Prickly
- Electric
- Tingling
- Nervy
- Twitchy
- Burning
- Radiating
- Referring
- Buzzy
- Itchy
The Ugh and Blah Category:
- Wooden
- Congested
- Dull
- Dense
- Frozen
- Icy
- Disconnected
- Thick
- Blocked
- Contracted
- Heavy
- Suffocated
- Cold
- Numb
- Closed
- Dark
- Hollow
- Empty
The ‘Feel Stabby Much’ List:
- Tense
- Tight
- Constricted
- Clenched
- Knotted
- Hot
- Full
- Sweaty
Sensations that often signal wellbeing and vitality:
- Calm
- Energized
- Smooth
- Streaming
- Warm
- Cool
- Relaxed
- Open
- Light
- Spacious
- Airy
- Releasing
- Expanded
- Expansive
- Flowing
- Floating
- Fluid
- Draining
Want to practice using this list?
The Sacred Self-Care Guidebook is the perfect next step for learning to notice and track sensations in the body. Over the course of 10 lessons, you will learn to cultivate moment-to-moment awareness, listen deeply to your body and to your self, and take positive, concrete action towards what you need and desire.
You’re really great at sharing practical guidances for getting in touch with one’s body. You’ve created a business that’s not so much about bodywork, as body-minded living. You give a great deal that people can take away just by signing up for your newsletters, never-mind coming in person.
Want to say, keep it up. This stuff can help a lot of people, especially because of how simple it is.
Sarah
@Sarah Lambert
“Body-minded living.” Wow. I really like that!
Thanks, Sarah. 🙂
Thank you very much for this list – ! It is weird to think that these sensations are ones I might know – but can only think of feeling a few. I guess, with time, that I may be able to find more of them. This is my goal, however, and I think that having this list to refer back to will help me be able to perceive that they are there.
Thank you so much for these resources. They are very useful.
more wellbeing items
Joyful
Resonant
Connected
Integrated
Whole, Wholesome
was just thinking that that the “well” list is much shorter! Need more good words to tap into. thanks
thank you that”s really very helpful
This is such a great list. Thank you so much for this work. I appreciate the time and effort you put when creating this.
Many blessings
Thank you SO MUCH! What a sensitive, helpful, useful tool you created. How is it possible I haven’t seen anything like this before? Or thought of it myself? Wow! Thank you.
This is perfect for mindfulness meditation practices. Thank you so much.