One Minute to Calm: How Somatic Movement Can Reset Your Body and Mind
Have you ever felt your chest tighten, your shoulders hunch, or your stomach knot up when stress hits - even for just a moment? That’s your body holding onto tension, and no amount of thinking or “trying harder” will fix it.
This is where somatic movement comes in. It’s about listening to your body, even for just a minute, and letting it release what it’s holding.
Why It Works
Trauma, stress, and anxiety don’t just live in your mind, they live in your body. Somatic movement helps your nervous system reset by moving energy that’s stuck, even in small, subtle ways. You don’t need a class, a gym, or fancy equipment - just a minute and your attention.
Try This One-Minute Reset
Notice your body: Where do you feel tension? Shoulders? Chest? Jaw?
Breathe into it: Take a slow inhale, imagining the breath reaching that spot.
Move gently: Shrug your shoulders, roll your neck, or stretch your arms - whatever feels natural.
Release: Let your body sway, shake, or simply soften.
Check in: Notice how your body feels now - even a tiny change counts.
Doing this for just a minute can help your mind feel calmer, your heart rate slow, and give you a sense of control when stress shows up.
Why I Love Somatic Movement in Therapy
Even small movements can:
Help regulate anxiety in the moment
Make emotional overwhelm easier to tolerate
Connect you to your body when stress makes you feel disconnected
In therapy, we often combine somatic work with talk therapy, EMDR, or mindfulness, so you not only process your thoughts but truly feel the relief in your body.
Start Small, Feel Big Changes
You don’t need hours or special tools even a single minute can make a difference. Try it anywhere: at your desk, before a meeting, or after a stressful conversation.
If you want to explore somatic movement in a supportive, trauma-informed way, I’d love to guide you in therapy.
