What should I do if a body scan makes me more aware of discomfort?

This is normal and actually the point. Awareness precedes release — you can’t let go of tension you don’t know you’re holding. When a body scan reveals discomfort, that’s information, not a problem. Your body was uncomfortable before the scan too; you just weren’t noticing. That said, if the awareness becomes overwhelming rather than informative, narrow your focus to one neutral or pleasant body part — your hands, the soles of your feet, anywhere that feels relatively comfortable. Use that as an anchor until the intensity settles. If body awareness consistently triggers anxiety or distress, that’s worth exploring with a therapist. For some people, particularly those with trauma histories, body-focused practices need a gentler on-ramp. See our meditation for anxiety page for anxiety-specific support.