How to use your body to soothe your mind.

Calm Practice

🫨Somatic Shaking 🫨

When we experience a shock, upset or trauma, one of the body’s natural responses is to shake. This motion can help release energy, which ‘completes’ the stress response and regulates the nervous system.

Intentional shaking can dissolve stress and move the nervous system back to balance if you are feeling hyper-aroused (stressed or agitated) so this is an effective practice to use if you are feeling anxious or triggered.

Here’s how!

1. Begin to shake your legs and arms. You can shake one leg at a time, or you can keep both feet on the floor while doing a running motion with your knees.
2. Feel the shaking through your entire body. Play with the intensity and speed so that it feels like a release rather than further activating. 
3. Continue to shake for about one (1) minute.
4. Return to stillness. Bring one hand to your belly and the other hand to your chest. Observe your emotions, body sensations and thoughts. Be curious about any changes you feel. Breathe deeply to come back to a calm state.

 

Try Peloton instructor, Rebecca Kennedy’s recent 10-minute Mental Health Awareness Stretch to experience and feel Somatic Shaking.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Ballagh, R. (2024). Somatic Shaking. 101 Ways to Find Calm: How to Use Your Body to Soothe Your Mind.P. 42.