Somatic Shaking: Benefits to release stress and trauma

Whether you are a working professional or a homemaker, let us just agree that everyday life’s challenges can take a toll on our mental health. Messy feelings can get buried deep down in our psyche. And all that bottled-up stress ends up putting us in a state of constant anxiety and panic. Sometimes, we can put on a strong face and move ahead. But at times, we fail. However, our body keeps the score. Whether it is through a clenched jaw or belly knots formed due to unprocessed grief, we can all feel unprocessed emotions and trauma getting trapped in our bodies. When emotions do not get a constructive outlet, they can turn toxic. Do you know that something as simple as somatic shaking can also help release extra cortisol from your body while also enhancing your focus? Fortunately, our body can let go of that stress through cathartic release. Let us tell you more about the benefits of somatic shaking for overall well-being.

What is somatic shaking?

Somatic shaking is a technique or form of therapy to release excess stress from our body, aiding in the recovery of the body and nervous system regulation. This can further help improve focus, decisiveness, and feelings of relaxation. The idea is to incorporate movement into meditation. The concept of shaking your body as a form of meditation acts as a powerful tool for transformation and healing. Somatic shaking helps you learn the art of letting go, explains meditation facilitator and spiritual coach Anand Kabir.

In times of extreme grief and stress, our body produces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. If they are left unchecked, these chemicals can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health. Cathartic movement, such as somatic shaking, acts as a pressure valve that flushes out excess stress chemicals. This helps calm down our nervous system’s fight-or-flight activation.

How to do a somatic shake?

In this practice for stress relief, we shake our bodies to stimulate muscles and joints, focusing on our breath, and keeping that gentle smile intact to release stress and overthinking. Some of the basic movements in somatic shaking include twisting, bending, jumping, and shaking, all of which aid in helping you feel the energy flow in your body, leading to heightened feelings of relaxation, and a sense of calm.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure shaking your body is effective:

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1. Choose a quiet, comfortable environment where you can move freely without distractions. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
2. Like you do before every exercise, try to warm-up! Start with gentle movements like light stretching, walking, or swaying.
3. You may choose to sit or stand during somatic shaking. If you choose to stand, do so with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms relaxed at your sides. Feel the connection between your feet and the ground. Take a few deep breaths, focusing on the inhalation and exhalation process of your breath.
4. Start by shaking your hands and wrists gently. Gradually let the shaking spread to your arms, shoulders, and torso. Allow your legs to shake, and let the movement travel through your entire body. Make sure you don’t force the shaking. It should be natural, and you should let go!
5. Watch your breath as you shake off the stress. Continue deep breathing throughout the process. Inhale deeply through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. This will play a supoortive role in releasing tension.
6. After 5-15 minutes (or when you feel ready), start to slow down the shaking. As your movements become more gentle, go still gradually.
7. Give yourself some time once you’ve stopped shaking. You can stand or sit quietly for a few minutes in a meditative mode. Chances are you will experience a sense of calm.

Click here to know other stress-relieving techniques!

Benefits of somatic shaking for a relaxed mind

Somatic shaking is part of a broader range of somatic practices that help people reconnect with their bodies, and promote feelings of calm while equipping you with the ability to process extremely painful emotions. Some of its benefits on the mind include:

1. Helps in mindfulness and grounding

Engaging in somatic shaking helps in grounding, bringing your body and wavering your mind back to the present moment. Shaking also induces the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good painkillers. These good hormones ease feelings of anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of euphoric relief. It helps you let go of stressful thoughts and makes you experience the benefits of physical movement.

The effects of somatic shaking extend beyond meditation. It is as if the shaking allows people to shake off the mental and emotional clutter, making space for mindfulness, clarity and peace, adds the expert.

2. Helps deal with unprocessed emotions

Somatic therapy, which involves shaking, works on the principle that unprocessed emotions, trauma or stress become trapped in our bodies as well. By using the combination of breath work, body awareness and movement, it helps in trauma recovery and emotional healing. Simply put, shaking mindfully helps shake up stuck emotions in the body and helps restore neurochemical balance.

Somatic shaking is not only important for physical fitness, but it also helps heal emotional wounds and improves overall well-being. Shaking gives us that emotional resilience to process trauma and enhance feelings of safety and grounding through rigorous and spontaneous movement, promoting a more relaxed and balanced state.

3. Helps slip into meditation easily

People struggle with meditation because of their racing thoughts, making meditation challenging. However, after shaking, people will find it much easier to slip into a state of stillness and inner calm. The energy that once felt stuck or blocked begins to flow freely, leaving people feeling revitalized and centered, explains the expert.