Relieving Stress Somatically
Now that we are about a week into the New Year, I wanted to talk about stress. We’re returning to work, starting resolutions and trying to tackle year-long projects on day 1. Our intentions are good; we want to thrive, advance, make more money, spend more time with loved ones and have 2024 be OUR year. With these expectations for greatness, we are inadvertently putting a substantial amount of stress onto ourselves to get it all done faster and more gracefully than anyone else as if huge shifts aren’t hard at all. Think of Elle Woods’ energy because you’re approaching Harvard Law school with the mentality of “what like it’s hard?”
It is hard. Change is meant to be hard because it’s breaking and reforming habits woven into our cells and psyche. Some of the hardest habits to break also happen to be common New Years’ resolutions: smoking, drinking alcohol, overeating, and cell phone use to name a few. Our habits are linked to the chemical system within our bodies providing us with the “hit” of chemical cocktails that make us feel better. Moving away from the chemical patterns our neurotransmitters rely on is one of the hardest things possible, there’s a reason why addiction isn’t always something you can “power through” to stop that activity.
When we do decide to take the plunge and break some of these habits to create more supportive ones, we are entering into a state of stress. The stress can happen on a physical and mental level, often there’s a combination of both as they try to meet each other. Typically it is the body that feels and heals from stress first and the mind is trying to adjust to the body’s senses. With that in mind, here are some somatic techniques that can help release some of the stress stored with the body to help the mind meet you where you want to be.
Shaking
Deep breathing
Ecstatic Dance
Body Scan Meditation
These techniques can roll into one another, do one a day or less frequently on an as needed basis. There is something to be said about creating an immovable date with oneself on the calendar for this physical healing. Something you cannot move, make excuses for, or ignore its presence in your calendar. Just like other therapeutic “treatments”, the benefits accumulate over time and consistency is needed to ensure long-term results.
