Somatic Exercise: Releasing Stress Stored in the Body
Stress isn’t just a mental experience—it leaves imprints in the body. Have you ever noticed tight shoulders after a stressful day, or a knot in your stomach when you’re anxious? That’s your nervous system communicating through your muscles. Over time, this tension can build up, creating chronic pain, fatigue, and even emotional disconnection.
Somatic exercise is a gentle yet powerful way to release stored stress. Unlike traditional workouts, somatic practices are slow, mindful movements that retrain your body to let go of tension patterns and reconnect to ease.
Benefits of somatic movement include:
Releasing Chronic Tension: Especially in the hips, psoas, and shoulders where stress accumulates.
Nervous System Regulation: Gentle movements signal safety to the brain, calming anxiety and overwhelm.
Improved Flexibility & Posture: Muscles relearn how to soften instead of bracing.
Deeper Presence: By slowing down, you reconnect to your body and the present moment.
Try this simple practice: “Somatic Release for the Hips”
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet on the floor.
Slowly let your knees fall side to side, like windshield wipers.
Notice the sensations without forcing movement.
After a few minutes, pause and feel the difference.
✨ Want more support? I’ve created free somatic exercise videos you can follow along with on my YouTube channel. These short guided practices will help you gently release tension, reconnect to your body, and create more ease in your daily life.
