02/25/2026
✨ Somatic Exercises to help
Release Stress & Stored Trauma
Connecting with the body’s wisdom is key 🔑 to gently releasing stored stress and trauma.
Somatic exercises are really about slowing down, bringing mindful awareness to your body’s sensations, and allowing your nervous system to move back into a place of regulation and calm.
They are so profound and effective because the body truly Does “keep the score”.
👉 Here are a cpl you can try right away…
👣 Grounding (Rooting)
Here’s a simple (yet powerful) way to bring your awareness back to the present moment.
- How To Do It:
If you can, take off your shoes.
Stand, or, Sit with your feet flat on the floor (If you can do this on the earth/grass, outside — that would be ideal!).
- The Focus:
Feel the Weight of your body sinking down into your feet & right into the ground.
Notice the subtle sensations- the texture of the floor, the pressure points, the temperature…
- The Intention:
Imagine that you have Roots growing out of the soles of your feet, reaching deep into the Earth.
Feel the Earth’s support holding you up.
You are Safe and Supported here & now.
And a little one that I love…
🦋🫂 The Butterfly Hug
(Self-Containment)
I love this self-soothing technique that uses gentle bilateral stimulation (which is simply crossing the body’s midline) to calm the nervous system.
- How To Do It:
Cross your arms over your chest.
Place your hands on your opposite shoulders (or upper arms), like you’re giving yourself a gentle hug.
- The Focus:
Begin to slowly and rhythmically tap your left hand, then your right hand, alternating back and forth.
You can tap as slowly or quickly as you wish- whatever speed feels comforting to you.
- The Intention:
This activity creates a sense of safety and of being held (contained).
It’s often used to help regulate strong emotions and to feel more present and secure in your own body.
The real key is to notice your body’s response and go slowly.
If a movement feels overwhelming—
just pause, take a deep breath, and come back to Grounding.
Remember, healing is a journey…
More like a Marathon than a Sprint.
Keep that in mind, and always be compassionate and gentle with yourself!
xo~Sabrina ♥️
