The Surprising Way Scarcity and Abundance Shape Your Physical State
Oct 01, 2025
Following the blog post Scarcity Creates Stress - Abundance Creates Freedom. Which Will You Choose?, I thought I’d do a follow-on article on how your abundance or scarcity mindset affect the physical body (and your health). (Because if an abundance mindset impacts your health, as well as your ability to live in more freedom, wouldn’t you want to know, so an abundance mindset (and reality) can be a higher priority?)
We often think of mindset as something that happens only in the mind. But the truth is, scarcity and abundance aren’t just thoughts — they are also felt experiences in the body. Your nervous system plays a huge role in how you experience both. (As we discuss this impact here, you might want to remember back to when you felt each mindset, and how it felt in your body. I can recall my body’s response to both abundance and scarcity mindsets – and I definitely prefer the abundance mindset response! š)
Understanding how scarcity and abundance show up physically can help you catch the signs earlier, so you can gently shift your state, and create a more balanced, empowered way of living going forward.
How Scarcity and Abundance Show Up in Your Body
When you’re caught in a scarcity mindset, your nervous system often goes into survival mode. It’s as if your body believes you’re under threat, even if the ‘threat’ is only the fear of not being enough, or not having enough.
When you’re stuck in scarcity thinking, your body may go into survival mode. There are a number of physical sensations you might notice in a scarcity mindset, some of which are mentioned below.
- Tightness in your chest, shoulders, and/or jaw
- Shallow, quick breathing
- A racing heart, or restless energy
- Feeling tense, on edge, or easily frustrated
This is your body’s stress response — a natural reaction designed to keep you safe (eg. a wild animal is about to chase you). This is your body’s stress response, telling you, ‘Something’s not right… you’re not safe.’ Even if the threat isn’t real (we live in a different world now), your nervous system reacts as if it is (fight or flight mode – the sympathetic nervous system).
The problem is, when you live in this state for too long, it drains your energy, narrows your perspective, and makes it harder to see opportunities clearly. It also releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, into your body – which aren’t designed to stay in the body, and aren’t helpful to your body in the long-term (eg. adrenal fatigue, when your body has felt too much stress over a prolonged period of time).
I recall on a recent trip to Thailand, that when a friend mentioned staying there, my (scarcity mindset) reaction was ‘I’d need to be a millionaire!’ My thought were that I’d need a car, a good (fully sealed) house, expensive food (due to my allergies, and my typical foods being very expensive in Thailand, etc). My chest was tight, I’d pulled in my breath, and my body was tense. (I picked it up almost immediately, and believe part of that reaction was that I was suffering from allergic reactions at the time, I was in pollution (which my body doesn’t like), and I was injured – clearly not at my best – however it was still a scarcity mindset reaction.)
Abundance Mindset in the Body
When you shift into an abundance mindset, your body tells a very different story. Instead of tightening and bracing, you feel more relaxed, safe, and open. This is your nervous system in a more balanced state. When you feel safe and supported, your mind becomes clearer, your creativity flows, and you can connect with others more openly. You may feel some of the following sensations in your body while in a state of abundance.
- A sense of calm in your chest and belly
- Deeper, slower breathing
- Energy that feels grounded rather than restless
- More ease in your posture and movements
- Warmth, lightness, or even a gentle smile appearing naturally
This is your parasympathetic nervous system in a more balanced state — where you feel safe, supported, and open to connection and possibility.
Do you recall a time when you felt in a state of abundance? Where you trusted that there was enough, and would be enough, and didn’t feel fear that there wasn’t enough? Do you recall the above feelings in your body? It feels great, doesn’t it? (I often feel this while in nature, doing training (of which I do lots!), or relaxing with good friends. A great inspiring podcast or book can help us keep in an abundance mindset as well.)
Ways to Shift From Scarcity to Abundance in the Body
Albert Einstein said that ‘A problem can’t be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it’. This can also apply to abundance and scarcity mindsets — and our nervous system. The more we can improve our nervous system (from a scarcity/fight or flight sympathetic reactive state, to an abundance/rest and digest parasympathetic state), the easier it is for our body and mind to upgrade to an abundance mindset. (In other words, we can upgrade our stress and scarcity state to a relaxed and abundance state together.)
The first step is noticing the inner state of your body, and becoming aware of your nervous system. Start tuning into your body throughout the day. Ask yourself ‘Am I feeling tight, ushed, or fear? Or am I feeling open, steady, and at ease?’ No judgment please — this is just an exercise to help us raise our awareness, so we can then take steps to improve it. (Judgement is not helpful — we want to move forward into our Best Life — not give ourselves more guilt and anger.)
If you notice scarcity showing up in your body, you can pause, and choose a new response to help your body shift. There are a number of gentle exercises which can assist with uplifting our nervous system, some of which are noted below.
- Deep breathing. A few deep slow breaths can calm the nervous system. And you can do this multiple times a day — whenever you notice your body is not flowing and at ease.
- Grounding yourself. Place your feet on the floor, notice the support beneath you, and remind yourself you are safe. This is even more powerful when done outside, on the ground — especially with bare feet.
- Gratitude pause. Name three things you appreciate right now — it helps your body relax into abundance. Focusing on abundance, and all the good in your life, is great for your mind, body, and soul.
- Movement. A short walk, stretch, or shake, can release tension, and signal safety to your nervous system. Again, movement is great for your mind, body, and soul.
- Meditation. Meditation is a great way to slow and relax the mind, body, and soul — including the nervous system. (Our 7-Day Meditation for Beginners Challenge can help if you’re not sure where to start.)
By practicing these small shifts, you train your body to feel abundance, not just think it.
These small shifts send a powerful message to your nervous system: ‘I am safe. I have enough. I am enough.’ Over time, your nervous system learns that safety, trust, and openness are your new normal. And as your body relaxes, it allows our abundance mindset to grow, as well. Upgrading your mindset at the same time as you upgrade your nervous system allows your mind and body to work together to create more abundance in your world. (Our free Abundance Starts Within 7-Day Challenge can help you, too.) And, really, who doesn’t want more abundance and peace and ease in their life (and body)?
Body Awareness Prompts
I’ve outlined a few more questions you can ask yourself to help with the connection of your body and mindset. You can use these throughout the day.
- Where do I feel scarcity in my body right now?
- How does abundance feel in my body when I imagine it?
- What simple action can I take (breathing, moving, gratitude) to invite more abundance into my body today?
Final Thoughts
As you can see, scarcity and abundance mindsets also show up in your nervous system, and body, every day. By noticing how they feel, you empower yourself to shift your state, and open up to more calm, peace, and possibility.
Your body is always speaking to you — are you listening, and making adjustments, so you can live your Best Life?
šāļø FAQ - Scarcity & Abundance in the Body
1. How does scarcity mindset affect the body?
Scarcity often triggers a stress response — tight muscles, shallow breathing, and restlessness. Your nervous system reacts as if you’re under threat (fight or flight), even when you’re not.
2. What does abundance feel like in the body?
Abundance often feels like calm, openness, steady breathing, and ease. Your body feels safe, supported, and more relaxed.
3. Can I really shift from a scarcity response to an abundance response through my body?
Yes, you can. Simple practices like deep breathing, grounding, gratitude, and gentle movement, as well as meditation, can help calm your nervous system, and bring a sense of abundance to your body.
4. How do I become more aware of scarcity in my body?
Check in with yourself, and you body, regularly. Ask yourself — Am I tense and rushed, or open and at ease? Awareness is the first step toward change.
5. Is an abundance mindset about ignoring stress or problems?
No, it’s not. It’s about facing challenges with calm and trust, knowing that solutions and opportunities are possible — and that you have the ability to figure things out.
6. What are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as ‘fight or flight’ — it prepares the body for physical and mental activity. The parasympathetic nervous system prepares the body for rest, including stimulating digestion and metabolism. The gentle suggestions in the above blog help the body move from a sympathetic to parasympathetic state.
References/Further Reading
https://www.healthline.com/health/fun-facts-about-the-nervous-system#4
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/science-behind-meditation
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breathwork
https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques
Additional Resources
We have a couple of free 7-day challenges which could assist you in your abundance journey, and uplifting your nervous system. The first is our Abundance Starts Within 7-Day Challenge, and the second one is our 7-Day Meditation for Beginners Challenge. I’d love to hear how they help you on your journey!
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Disclaimer
This blog is for general educational and personal growth purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Please consult a qualified professional for support with your individual health and wellbeing.
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