{"id":54341,"date":"2023-09-11T13:33:40","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T13:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=54341"},"modified":"2025-05-20T22:59:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T22:59:06","slug":"somatic-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Are_Somatic_Exercises_Good\" >Are Somatic Exercises Good?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Improved_Mind-Body_Connection\" >Improved Mind-Body Connection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Relaxation_and_Stress_Relief\" >Relaxation and Stress Relief<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Enhanced_Physical_Well-being\" >Enhanced Physical Well-being<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Emotional_Release\" >Emotional Release<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Mindful_Living\" >Mindful Living<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#What_Are_The_Types_of_Somatic_Exercises\" >What Are The Types of Somatic Exercises?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Exercises_for_Anxiety\" >Somatic Exercises for Anxiety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Exercises_for_Trauma\" >Somatic Exercises for Trauma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Exercises_for_Weight_Loss\" >Somatic Exercises for Weight Loss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Exercises_for_Hips\" >Somatic Exercises for Hips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Exercises_for_Anger\" >Somatic Exercises for Anger<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Exercises_for_Stress\" >Somatic Exercises for Stress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Yoga_Exercises\" >Somatic Yoga Exercises<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#What_Are_11_Somatic_Exercises\" >What Are 11 Somatic Exercises?\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#1_Diaphragmatic_Breathing\" >1. Diaphragmatic Breathing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#2_Grounding\" >2. Grounding<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-2\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#3_Body_Scanning\" >3. Body Scanning:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-3\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#4_Somatic_Yoga\" >4. Somatic Yoga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#5_Walking_Meditation\" >5. Walking Meditation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-4\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#6_Progressive_Muscle_Relaxation_PMR\" >6. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR):<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-5\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#7_Sensory_Awareness\" >7. Sensory Awareness<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-6\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#8_The_Voo_Breath\" >8. The Voo Breath<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-7\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#9_Self-Hug\" >9. Self-Hug<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-8\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#10_Shaking_Out_Tension\" >10. Shaking Out Tension<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Steps-9\" >Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#How_Do_You_Practice_Somatic_Release\" >How Do You Practice Somatic Release?\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Find_a_Calm_Environment\" >Find a Calm Environment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Movement\" >Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Rest_and_Reflect\" >Rest and Reflect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Regular_Practice\" >Regular Practice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#What_Are_The_Examples_of_Somatic_Therapy\" >What Are The Examples of Somatic Therapy?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Somatic_Experiencing_SE_Therapy\" >Somatic Experiencing (SE) Therapy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Accelerated_Experiential_Dynamic_Psychotherapy_AEDP\" >Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#DanceMovement_Therapy_DMT\" >Dance\/Movement Therapy (DMT)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Massage_and_Bodywork\" >Massage and Bodywork<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Eye_Movement_Desensitization_and_Reprocessing_EMDR\" >Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Is_Yoga_a_form_of_Somatic_Exercise\" >Is Yoga a form of Somatic Exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Is_Walking_Somatic_Therapy\" >Is Walking Somatic Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Is_Meditation_a_Somatic_Exercise\" >Is Meditation a Somatic Exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Is_Mindfulness_a_Somatic_Therapy\" >Is Mindfulness a Somatic Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#Do_Somatic_Exercises_Release_Trauma\" >Do Somatic Exercises Release Trauma?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Therapy refers to a body-centered\/body-oriented therapeutic approach that harnesses the body&#8217;s inherent ability to self-regulate, aimed at relieving and healing stress disorders and improving the overall mind-body connection. It is anchored in the understanding that distress isn&#8217;t solely a product of our minds, but deeply intertwined with our biology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1.gif\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. Critical\/chronic stress occurs in situations where individuals are unable to meet the demands upon them and suffer a physical or psychological breakdown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our frantic, modern lives causes most people to not pay attention to our internal senses (interoception and proprioception) and, as a result, overlook the interconnectedness of body and mind. However, it&#8217;s within this very synergy that we can discover pathways to release pent-up emotions and foster well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This blog post will introduce 10 <strong>somatic exercises<\/strong> designed to tap into this profound mind-body connection. These simple yet powerful techniques can help you navigate emotional blockages, restore balance, and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with your own body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re dealing with chronic stress, or simply seeking new ways to boost your overall mental well-being, these exercises offer a transformative journey into self-awareness and healing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you wish to reach into the deep crevices of your mind, take yourself out of the mental loop, regain balance, infuse yourself with optimism, and cultivate compassion &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\">BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app is exactly what you need<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Somatic_Exercises_Good\"><\/span><strong>Are Somatic Exercises Good?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely, <strong>Somatic Exercises<\/strong> are indeed beneficial. They aid in fostering a deeper understanding and connection with one&#8217;s body, leading to overall wellness. Here&#8217;s how:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Mind-Body_Connection\"><\/span><strong>Improved Mind-Body Connection<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Somatic Exercises<\/em> are specifically designed to enhance the internal awareness of your body and its functions. Their-body oriented nature encourages you to shift your attention from your cognition and thoughts and connect to the sensations experienced in your body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). By focusing on slow, mindful movements, you begin to understand how different parts of your body interact and function together, and how your emotions and thought impact your physical body \u2014 or certain parts of it. This heightened awareness improves your mental and emotional health by making you address those emotions and sensations stored in certain body parts (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4198945\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relaxation_and_Stress_Relief\"><\/span><strong>Relaxation and Stress Relief<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our noisy minds and constant overthinking are some main contributors to stress. To press pause on our chaotic thought patterns, we sometimes need to move from our minds into our bodies \u2013 and this is where somatic exercises make a tremendous difference. They have a calming effect on the body and involve slow, deliberate movements which can help relax tense muscles and improve sleep. Moreover, the focus required in performing these exercises provides a break from stressors, allowing your mind to unwind and refocus (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhanced_Physical_Well-being\"><\/span><strong>Enhanced Physical Well-being<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular practice of Somatic Exercises can lead to improved flexibility, balance, and strength. The movements involved help to lengthen tight muscles and strengthen weak ones, leading to better posture and ease of movement. Over time, this could reduce the risk of injuries and enhance your physical capabilities (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6537287\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emotional_Release\"><\/span><strong>Emotional Release<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent trauma research shows that we don\u2019t just experience emotions and distressing experiences in our heads \u2013 we also store them in certain body parts (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fnint.2022.871227\/full#:~:text=Polyvagal%20Theory%20provides%20an%20innovative%20scientific%20perspective%20that%20incorporates%20an,and%20functionally%20neutralize%20defensive%20strategies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is what makes <strong>Somatic Exercises<\/strong> somehow therapeutic (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). They allow you to tap into areas of emotional tension within your body and release pent-up emotions. When emotions are experienced on a bodily level, they can be regulated through movement, shaking, or by paying attention to a particular body area. This can be particularly helpful in increasing one\u2019s ability to regulate emotions, leading to improved emotional health and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mindful_Living\"><\/span><strong>Mindful Living<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, the practice of Somatic Exercises encourages a more mindful approach to living. When you tap into your body, you realise that you\u2019re no longer just the thoughts you have about yourself. The focus on internal awareness promotes a deeper understanding of one&#8217;s self, encouraging a more mindful and intentional approach to daily activities. This can enhance your quality of life and promote overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-54384 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Types_of_Somatic_Exercises\"><\/span><strong>What Are The Types of Somatic Exercises?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are various types of <em>Somatic Exercises<\/em>, ranging from slow, mindful movements to more advanced and challenging poses. It is difficult to break down somatic exercises to specific problems, as their purposes often overlaps. For example, a breathing exercise can work for releasing anxiety, as well as processing trauma. That said, below are some common types of somatic exercises and their uses:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercises_for_Anxiety\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Exercises for Anxiety<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Exercises for anxiety are designed to help manage and reduce feelings of anxiety by promoting relaxation and fostering a deeper connection with one&#8217;s body. These exercises often involve deep breathing, grounding techniques, and mindfulness practices. Examples include: Diaphragmatic Breathing, Grounding, and Body Scanning (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6137615\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercises_for_Trauma\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Exercises for Trauma<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These exercises aim to help individuals process unresolved emotional issues stored in the body as a result of experiencing a traumatic event (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Techniques such as Pendulation, which involves oscillating between tension and relaxation, can be particularly effective. Other exercises include Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Somatic Yoga.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercises_for_Weight_Loss\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Exercises for Weight Loss<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <em>Somatic Exercises<\/em> alone may not lead to weight loss, rather they support weight loss efforts by improving <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/body-awareness\/\">body awareness<\/a>, enhancing movement efficiency, and reducing stress (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/yogauonline.com\/yoga-health-benefits\/yoga-wellness-tips\/slow-burn-a-somatic-approach-to-exercise\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Examples include Walking Meditation, Gentle Movement Patterns, and Somatic Yoga.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercises_for_Hips\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Exercises for Hips<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Exercises for hips focus on improving hip mobility and reducing tension or discomfort in the hip area. These might include specific Somatic <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/yoga-poses-for-weight-loss\/\">Yoga poses<\/a> targeting the hips, Snail&#8217;s Pace Stretching, and Comfortable Movements such as gentle hip circles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercises_for_Anger\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Exercises for Anger<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anger \u2013 like any other emotion \u2013 does not just happen in the brain. It also takes place in the body. Somatic Exercises for anger aim to help individuals manage and express anger in a healthy way, as well as better connect with those body parts that might store experiences associated with anger (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2615273\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These exercises often involve releasing physical tension and practicing mindful awareness of bodily sensations. Examples include: The Voo Breath, Shaking Out Tension, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercises_for_Stress\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Exercises for Stress<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Exercises for stress focus on activating the body&#8217;s relaxation response and reducing physical signs of stress (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyt.2013.00071\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Techniques like Diaphragmatic Breathing, Grounding, and Body Scanning can be particularly helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Yoga_Exercises\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Yoga Exercises<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Yoga combines traditional yoga poses with a heightened focus on internal bodily sensations. It promotes increased body awareness, flexibility, and relaxation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6537287\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Examples include mindful variations of common yoga poses, such as the Warrior Pose, Tree Pose, and Child&#8217;s Pose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Read more:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-stretching\/\">Somatic Stretching &#8211; Build Your Body Awareness Through a Soothing Motion<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_11_Somatic_Exercises\"><\/span><strong>What Are 11 Somatic Exercises?\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are 12 unique <em>Somatic Exercises<\/em> that you can incorporate into your wellness routine:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Diaphragmatic_Breathing\"><\/span><strong>1. Diaphragmatic Breathing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This exercise helps to activate your body&#8217;s relaxation response. It involves deep breathing into the diaphragm rather than shallow breathing from your chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie down or sit comfortably.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly to rise as you fill your lungs with air. The hand on your chest must remain as still as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhale slowly out of your mouth or nose, allowing your belly to fall.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat for several minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Grounding\"><\/span><strong>2. Grounding<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grounding techniques can help you feel more connected to your physical presence in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-2\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand up straight and feel your feet firmly grounded on the floor. Taking your shoes off for this exercise may make you feel more comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of your feet connecting with the earth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine roots <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/rowing-for-weight-loss\/\">growing<\/a> from your feet, anchoring you to the ground as you feel connected to the earth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start shifting your weight from left to right, swaying as a tree.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shift your weight from front to the back.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you shift your weight, bring awareness to your center of gravity, located in the upper pelvic area and below the navel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring your hands on top of your lower belly and feel your center.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue to sway from side to side and front and back while keeping the hands on top of your lower belly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Body_Scanning\"><\/span><strong>3. Body Scanning:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This technique promotes increased bodily awareness and can help identify areas of tension or discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-3\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie down or sit comfortably.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mentally scan your body from your toes to the head, noting any areas of tension or discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spend a few moments focusing on each area and when you feel any tension, breathe deeply and exhale allowing the area to relax.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you feel the body part relax, you can move to the next one.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue this process, until you reach your head.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-54351\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"somatic exercises for trauma\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-6.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-6.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-6-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-6.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Somatic_Yoga\"><\/span><strong>4. Somatic Yoga<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Yoga involves performing traditional yoga poses with a heightened focus on internal bodily sensations.It should be practiced with a certified somatic yoga instructor. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In somatic yoga, practitioners are encouraged to explore movements slowly and with intention, paying close attention to how each movement feels rather than striving for a specific end posture. This approach allows individuals to release tension, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness, which can develop a greater understanding of their physical and emotional experiences.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a yoga pose that you are comfortable with.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you move into the pose, pay close attention to how each part of your body feels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the pose for a few breaths, continuing to maintain awareness of your bodily sensations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Walking_Meditation\"><\/span><strong>5. Walking Meditation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This form of meditation combines physical movement with mindfulness practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-4\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Begin walking at a slow, comfortable pace.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs and arms, and your breathing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the physical sensation of walking and bring your mind to the present moment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Progressive_Muscle_Relaxation_PMR\"><\/span><strong>6. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR):<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This technique involves consciously tensing and then releasing different muscle groups in the body to promote relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-5\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start at one end of your body (like your toes).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tense the muscles as tightly as you can for about 5 seconds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relax the muscles and notice the sensation of release.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue to the next muscle group (like your legs), repeating the process.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Sensory_Awareness\"><\/span><strong>7. Sensory Awareness<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This exercise encourages a heightened awareness of your sensory experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-6\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a quiet place to sit or lie down.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tune into your senses one by one, spending a few moments focusing on what you can hear, smell, feel, taste, and see (with your eyes closed).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_Voo_Breath\"><\/span><strong>8. The Voo Breath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This vocal exercise can help to stimulate your vagus nerve, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-7\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a space where you feel comfortable and find yourself in a comfortable position, either sitting on a chair or on the floor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring your attention to your bodily sensations and to the present moment. Notice your breath in and out.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a deep breath in.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you exhale, make a &#8220;voo&#8221; sound, drawing out the vowel for as long as possible. You will feel this sound resonate through your abdomen and chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat several times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Self-Hug\"><\/span><strong>9. Self-Hug<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This comforting exercise can help to soothe feelings of distress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-8\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cross your right arm over your chest to feel your heartbeat, place your left\u00a0 hand on your right shoulder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply gentle pressure and rock side to side.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take deep, calming breaths as you hold this self-hug.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Shaking_Out_Tension\"><\/span><strong>10. Shaking Out Tension<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This exercise can help to release physical tension and release excess energy that may have been produced due to stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps-9\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a space where you feel comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand up and start shaking your body, starting with your hands and gradually incorporating your arms, torso, and legs. Imagine you are shaking off dust or sand on your body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shake for a few minutes, then slowly wind down. Bringing your body back to balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice how your body feels once you&#8217;ve stopped shaking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>With stress being a constant presence in our lives, taking time to process emotions, decompress and get into the right frame of mind is absolutely crucial. With BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app your mental health is in good hands!<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"> Start using it now<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Practice_Somatic_Release\"><\/span><strong>How Do You Practice Somatic Release?\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing somatic release involves a series of exercises and techniques that help you reconnect with your body and release stored tension. Here&#8217;s a general guide to practicing somatic release:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_a_Calm_Environment\"><\/span><strong>Find a Calm Environment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you won&#8217;t be disturbed. This could be a calm room in your home, a peaceful outdoor location, or any space where you feel safe and relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Movement\"><\/span><strong>Movement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporate gentle, mindful movement into your practice. This could include <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stretching-for-weight-loss\/\">stretching<\/a>, yoga postures, or any other movement that feels good to your body. Pay attention to how each movement feels and allow any emotions or sensations to arise without judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-54385 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises To Release Emotions\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rest_and_Reflect\"><\/span><strong>Rest and Reflect<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your practice, take a few moments to rest and reflect on the experience. You might notice a sense of relaxation, relief, or emotional release.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regular_Practice\"><\/span><strong>Regular Practice<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic release is most effective when practiced regularly. Try to set aside some time each day for this practice, whether it&#8217;s a few minutes in the morning, a break during your workday, or a relaxation practice before bed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, somatic release is a personal practice and everyone&#8217;s experience will be different. It&#8217;s important to move at your own pace and listen to your body&#8217;s signals. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure during the practice, pause the exercise and return to it once you are comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, if these feelings or emotions <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are significantly impacting your well-being,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it may be helpful to seek guidance from a qualified somatic therapist or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental health <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional for personalized guidance and interventions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Read more:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-breathing-exercises\/\">How To Use Somatic Breathing Exercises To Manage Stress<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Examples_of_Somatic_Therapy\"><\/span><strong>What Are The Examples of Somatic Therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic therapy is a type of body-centered therapy that aims to treat the whole person, including their mind, body, spirit, and emotions. It incorporates various techniques like massage, breathing exercises, and physical movements to help release pent-up tension stored in the body, ultimately promoting healing and recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Experiencing_SE_Therapy\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Experiencing (SE) Therapy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to SE, every human experience gtes stored in the body. We do not just live trauma and stressful experiences through emotions and thoughts, but also through sensations that happen in our bodies (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This form of therapy uses techniques such as breath work, meditation, visualization, grounding, dance, and sensation awareness work. It has to be guided by a trained therapist, and is designed to help individuals tap into their body&#8217;s natural ability to heal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike other forms of therapy, SE does not focus on thoughts or feelings (emotions) related to the traumatic experience and therefore does not directly evoke traumatic memories. Instead, it supports the person to track the sensations occurring in their bodies to find their way to a sense of balance and relaxation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accelerated_Experiential_Dynamic_Psychotherapy_AEDP\"><\/span><strong>Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AEDP is not a solely somatic therapy but incorporates somatic elements as part of the therapeutic approach to help individuals process emotional experiences on a deeper level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DanceMovement_Therapy_DMT\"><\/span><strong>Dance\/Movement Therapy (DMT)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the name suggests, this form of somatic therapy uses body movements and expressions as a therapeutic tool. It allows individuals to express themselves physically, explore emotions, release tension, and process experiences which can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to put their feelings into words.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Massage_and_Bodywork\"><\/span><strong>Massage and Bodywork<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some forms of somatic therapy involve physical touch or manipulation of the body, such as massage. This can help release physical tension and promote relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to note that while massage and bodywork can be considered as form of somatic interventions, they are not a replacement for psychological therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While they address physical sensations and relaxation, they may not delve deeply into psychological processing or addressing trauma in the same way that other somatic therapies like Somatic Experiencing or Dance Movement Therapy might. Always consult with a qualified practitioner to determine which approach aligns with your specific needs and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eye_Movement_Desensitization_and_Reprocessing_EMDR\"><\/span><strong>Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although not a somatic therapy in the traditional sense, EMDR is often mentioned in the same context because it also recognizes the connection between the body and mind. This therapeutic intervention helps reprocess distressing memories by stimulating the right and left brain through bilateral eye movements or touch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5623122\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Yoga_a_form_of_Somatic_Exercise\"><\/span><strong>Is Yoga a form of Somatic Exercise?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga can indeed be considered a Somatic Exercise because it emphasizes internal physical perception and experience. Somatics Yoga is not a different style of yoga but rather a movement therapy, a way of re-educating the way our brain senses and moves the muscles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31483689\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike some yoga styles where the aim is to achieve a pose, in somatics, the focus is the experience, skill, and ease of the movement and transitions. This makes Somatic Yoga a gentle form of exercise designed to assist us in releasing patterns of pain in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While somatic yoga is aligned with somatic principles, it is not a dedicated therapeutic modality like some other forms of somatic therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Walking_Somatic_Therapy\"><\/span><strong>Is Walking Somatic Therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, walking can be a part of somatic therapy when it&#8217;s done mindfully. This is often termed as &#8220;Walking Meditation,&#8221; where the focus is on the sensation of movement and the contact of feet with the ground. It helps to connect the body and mind, promoting awareness and relaxation, key aspects of somatic therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Meditation_a_Somatic_Exercise\"><\/span><strong>Is Meditation a Somatic Exercise?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, meditation can be considered a Somatic Exercise when it involves a mindful awareness of bodily sensations, movements, or breath (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3753315\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Some forms of meditation, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) integrate somatic principles to create a more holistic approach to improve overall mental-wellbeing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Mindfulness_a_Somatic_Therapy\"><\/span><strong>Is Mindfulness a Somatic Therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mindfulness can indeed be considered a form of somatic therapy (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4198945\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is because mindfulness, especially when practiced with a focus on bodily sensations or movements, can help create mind-body integration. It allows us to use our somatic responses as a source of information and healing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Somatic_Exercises_Release_Trauma\"><\/span><strong>Do Somatic Exercises Release Trauma?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, somatic exercises may help in releasing trauma (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, this is an oversimplification of the process. In reality, somatic interventions help the body process stress and tension stored in certain bodily parts, which creates more physiological safety. In turn, this helps with trauma processing and healing. Somatic therapy, which includes a variety of techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and body movement, can provide opportunities for the body to find its sense of safety and return to a state of homeostasis.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This form of therapy focuses on the mind-body connection and can be particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, complicated grief etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V1_ggl-1.gif\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating <strong>Somatic Exercises<\/strong> into your daily routine can be a transformative way to release pent-up emotions, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. These 12 exercises offer a holistic approach to healing that addresses both mind and body, helping you to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Somatic Therapy refers to a body-centered\/body-oriented therapeutic approach that harnesses the body&#8217;s inherent ability to self-regulate, aimed at relieving and healing stress disorders and improving the overall mind-body connection. It is anchored in the understanding that distress isn&#8217;t solely a product of our minds, but deeply intertwined with our biology.\u00a0 Stress is a normal reaction [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":60075,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[125,213],"class_list":["post-54341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Somatic Exercises To Release Trauma and Pent-Up Emotions (2025)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover 12 powerful \u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES \u27a4 designed to help release pent-up emotions and stress. Start your journey towards emotional healing today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover 12 powerful \u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES \u27a4 designed to help release pent-up emotions and stress. Start your journey towards emotional healing today.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-20T22:59:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Eve Chalicha\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d0a366c176f1718c3f976799259f8d76\"},\"headline\":\"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-20T22:59:06+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\"},\"wordCount\":3198,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic Therapy refers to a body-centered\/body-oriented therapeutic approach that harnesses the body's inherent ability to self-regulate, aimed at relieving and healing stress disorders and improving the overall mind-body connection. It is anchored in the understanding that distress isn't solely a product of our minds, but deeply intertwined with our biology.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<a href=\\\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\\\"><img class=\\\"aligncenter\\\" src=\\\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1.gif\\\" alt=\\\"Somatic Exercises\\\" width=\\\"1080\\\" height=\\\"1080\\\" \/><\/a>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. Critical\/chronic stress occurs in situations where individuals are unable to meet the demands upon them and suffer a physical or psychological breakdown.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Our frantic, modern lives causes most people to not pay attention to our internal senses (interoception and proprioception) and, as a result, overlook the interconnectedness of body and mind. However, it's within this very synergy that we can discover pathways to release pent-up emotions and foster well-being.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">This blog post will introduce 10 <strong>somatic exercises<\/strong> designed to tap into this profound mind-body connection. These simple yet powerful techniques can help you navigate emotional blockages, restore balance, and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with your own body.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, or simply seeking new ways to boost your overall mental well-being, these exercises offer a transformative journey into self-awareness and healing.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<strong>If y ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\",\"name\":\"Somatic Exercises To Release Trauma and Pent-Up Emotions (2025)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-20T22:59:06+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover 12 powerful \u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES \u27a4 designed to help release pent-up emotions and stress. Start your journey towards emotional healing today.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1440},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Mental Health\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Therapy\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Somatic Exercises\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/somatic-exercises\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"name\":\"BetterMe Blog\",\"description\":\"Health &amp; Fitness\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"alternateName\":\"Betterme Limited\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/betterme\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236\",\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US\",\"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d0a366c176f1718c3f976799259f8d76\",\"name\":\"Eve Chalicha\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/b72cc9e130e83bb47d657b465602ccde\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/eve_chalicha-150x150.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/eve_chalicha-150x150.png\",\"caption\":\"Eve Chalicha\"},\"description\":\"Eve is a freelance writer from Nairobi, Kenya. She has a passion for promoting good health and well-being and believes that education is the first step towards changing lives for the better. For the past few years, Eve has been writing about topics such as nutrition, fitness, natural remedies, and more. Thanks to her background in Legal studies, she has a knack for research and always prioritizes scientific facts over hearsay. She is also very socially conscious and ensures that her pieces inform and empower readers. When she's not writing, Eve enjoys watching documentaries, going on nature walks, or just hanging out with friends.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/author\/evechalicha\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Somatic Exercises To Release Trauma and Pent-Up Emotions (2025)","description":"Discover 12 powerful \u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES \u27a4 designed to help release pent-up emotions and stress. Start your journey towards emotional healing today.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions","og_description":"Discover 12 powerful \u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES \u27a4 designed to help release pent-up emotions and stress. Start your journey towards emotional healing today.","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2025-05-20T22:59:06+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1440,"url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS","Est. reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/"},"author":{"name":"Eve Chalicha","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d0a366c176f1718c3f976799259f8d76"},"headline":"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions","dateModified":"2025-05-20T22:59:06+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/"},"wordCount":3198,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Somatic Exercises"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Therapy refers to a body-centered\/body-oriented therapeutic approach that harnesses the body's inherent ability to self-regulate, aimed at relieving and healing stress disorders and improving the overall mind-body connection. It is anchored in the understanding that distress isn't solely a product of our minds, but deeply intertwined with our biology.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_exercises\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1.gif\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. Critical\/chronic stress occurs in situations where individuals are unable to meet the demands upon them and suffer a physical or psychological breakdown.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our frantic, modern lives causes most people to not pay attention to our internal senses (interoception and proprioception) and, as a result, overlook the interconnectedness of body and mind. However, it's within this very synergy that we can discover pathways to release pent-up emotions and foster well-being.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This blog post will introduce 10 <strong>somatic exercises<\/strong> designed to tap into this profound mind-body connection. These simple yet powerful techniques can help you navigate emotional blockages, restore balance, and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with your own body.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, or simply seeking new ways to boost your overall mental well-being, these exercises offer a transformative journey into self-awareness and healing.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<strong>If y ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/","name":"Somatic Exercises To Release Trauma and Pent-Up Emotions (2025)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg","dateModified":"2025-05-20T22:59:06+00:00","description":"Discover 12 powerful \u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES \u27a4 designed to help release pent-up emotions and stress. Start your journey towards emotional healing today.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4e82388d8608daba7f4ae61c2bb64318-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1440},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Mental Health","item":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Therapy","item":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Somatic Exercises","item":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/somatic-exercises\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"10 Somatic Exercises To Release Pent-Up Emotions"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d0a366c176f1718c3f976799259f8d76","name":"Eve Chalicha","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/b72cc9e130e83bb47d657b465602ccde","url":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/eve_chalicha-150x150.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/eve_chalicha-150x150.png","caption":"Eve Chalicha"},"description":"Eve is a freelance writer from Nairobi, Kenya. She has a passion for promoting good health and well-being and believes that education is the first step towards changing lives for the better. For the past few years, Eve has been writing about topics such as nutrition, fitness, natural remedies, and more. Thanks to her background in Legal studies, she has a knack for research and always prioritizes scientific facts over hearsay. She is also very socially conscious and ensures that her pieces inform and empower readers. When she's not writing, Eve enjoys watching documentaries, going on nature walks, or just hanging out with friends.","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/author\/evechalicha\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54341"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73056,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54341\/revisions\/73056"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60075"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54341"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=54341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}