Somatic Movement for Stress

The body and mind connection.

When it comes to stress, it’s not all in your head—or, at least, it’s not only in your head. Your body and mind are intimately connected, so it should come as no surprise that the state of your body can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.

Movement is one of the most effective ways to counter the effects of stress. By getting your body moving—even in simple ways—you can help to reduce stress levels and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

Somatic movement is a type of movement that focuses on awareness of the body and mind connection. This can be an effective way to reduce stress by helping you to become more aware of the tension in your body and how it affects your thoughts and emotions.

What is somatic movement?

Somatic movement is a form of movement that emphasizes awareness of the body and its relationship to the environment. It is based on the principle that the mind and body are connected, and that movement can be used to improve physical and mental well-being.

Somatic movement can be used for stress relief, as it can help to release tension from the body and improve circulation. It can also help to increase flexibility and range of motion, and reduce pain.

Benefits of somatic movement for stress

When we are stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode. This means that our sympathetic nervous system is activated and our body releases cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps us to cope with dangerous situations. However, when we are constantly stressed, our body never has a chance to return to normal and the cortisol stays in our system. This can lead to health problems such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, and weight gain.

Somatic movement is a form of movement that focuses on awareness of the body. It can help us to become more aware of the way stress affects our bodies and how we can release it. Somatic movements are slow and intentional, and they can be done without any equipment. They are often used as a form of mindfulness or meditation, and they can be very helpful for relieving stress.

How to do a basic somatic movement practice

There are many different types of somatic movement practices, but they all have one goal: to help you feel more present in your body. Here is a basic practice that you can do anywhere, anytime.

1. Start by finding a comfortable position. You can sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

2. Once you're comfortable, begin to notice your breath. Pay attention to the way your chest and belly move as you inhale and exhale.

3. After a few minutes of focusing on your breath, start to explore your body with gentle movements. Slowly roll your head from side to side, or sway your hips from front to back. Listen to your body and let it guide you in what feels good.

4. Next, shift your attention to your face and neck. Gently open and close your mouth as you breathe in and out. Feel the gentle expansion as you inhale, followed by the soft contraction as you exhale.

5. When you're ready, slowly turn your attention to the rest of your body: shoulders, arms, and hands; chest, back, and belly; hips, legs, and feet.

6. Enjoy the feeling of being awake and alert.

When it comes to finding ways to reduce stress, there are many options available. However, not all of them may work for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. This is why it's important to try different methods and find what works best for you.

If you're interested in trying somatic movement comment below and we can discuss your various options.

Be well

You belong here ❤️

John.