Daily Somatic Practices to Let Go of Tension and Restore Balance

Somatic Practices to Release Stress You Didn’t Know You Were Holding

Introduction
Stress doesn’t always announce itself with a dramatic meltdown. Sometimes it sneaks into your body and hides there long after the triggering moment has passed. That tight jaw, stiff shoulders, shallow breathing, or that inexplicable fatigue? Yep — your body is holding stress you didn’t even realize. The good news is that somatic practices can help you release it gently, restore balance, and reconnect with your body.

How the Body Holds Stress

Even when your mind says, “I’m fine,” your nervous system may be storing tension:

  • Muscle tightness: Shoulders, neck, back, and jaw are common “stress containers.”

  • Shallow or irregular breathing: Your diaphragm can lock up, limiting oxygen flow and increasing anxiety.

  • Fatigue and low energy: Chronic stress can make you feel worn out, even if nothing else is going on.

Understanding that stress is often embodied is the first step toward releasing it — and somatic practices are the tools to do just that.

Simple Somatic Practices You Can Try

These practices are gentle, quick, and perfect for integrating into your day. They don’t require equipment or extra time — just awareness and a willingness to feel your body.

1. Grounding with your feet
Stand or sit and feel your feet pressing into the floor. Notice the weight distribution. Take a few slow breaths and imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth. This simple practice reconnects you to your body and calms the nervous system.

2. Progressive muscle relaxation
Start at your toes and work your way up, intentionally tensing each muscle group for a few seconds, then releasing. Notice the difference between tight and relaxed. This practice helps your body “let go” of stress stored in muscles and increases body awareness.

3. Gentle shaking or bouncing
Stand up and shake out your hands, arms, shoulders, or even bounce lightly on your feet. This helps discharge tension your body may be unconsciously holding, releasing stress and freeing up energy.

woman in prayer pose with eyes closed

Benefits of Somatic Practices

Even a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference:

  • Calms the nervous system: Reduces fight-or-flight tension and promotes relaxation.

  • Increases body awareness: Helps you notice subtle stress before it escalates.

  • Releases emotions safely: Somatic work can help unprocessed feelings move through your body instead of being trapped.

Over time, these practices not only reduce chronic tension but also improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Try One Daily Practice

You don’t need to do all of them at once. Pick one practice — grounding, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle shaking — and try it daily for a week. Notice what shifts in your body, mood, and energy. Even small, consistent steps help release stress you didn’t know you were holding.

Remember: your body is your ally. By paying attention to the signals it’s been sending, you give yourself a chance to reset, restore balance, and feel lighter — literally and emotionally.

If you’d like to explore strategies for helping your body relieve tension, reach out to learn more about therapeutic yoga or stress management therapy.

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