Are you looking to release stress in your body? Our dynamic duo Iris & Thula highly recommend incorporating some somatic therapy exercises into your daily routine. Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, helping you become more in tune with your physical sensations and emotions.

Here are some examples

• Deep breathing
• Relaxation exercises
• Meditation
• Dance
• Art & Music
• Exercise
• Yoga
• Vocal work

Somatic therapy offers a wide range of benefits:

1. Stress Reduction: helping to release tension and stress stored in the body, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.

2. Improved Mind-Body Connection: By focusing on physical sensations and emotions, somatic therapy can help individuals become more in tune with their bodies and better understand the connection between physical and emotional health.

3. Increased Body Awareness: Somatic therapy can help individuals become more aware of their body’s signals and cues, allowing them to better respond to their needs and take care of themselves.

4. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, somatic therapy can help individuals regulate their emotions and cope with stress more effectively.

5. Pain Management: Somatic therapy techniques, such as relaxation exercises and body awareness practices, can help individuals manage pain and improve their overall physical comfort.

Here are Iris & Thula’s top 10

Creative Expression

Find a place where you feel happy, comfy and at home.

Surround yourself with art supplies and musical instruments.

Choose a medium that feels right for you in the moment and let your feelings guide you. Be fluid and not consumed by the end result, use the activity as a way to process, to calm, and build on your self awareness. Use your voice too, sing, hum, be free to express your creativity in any form you like.

Sensory Awareness

Play, touch, smell and fully engage with different textures and objects.

Focus on the sensations of each texture and how it makes you feel. This will enhance being in the moment and sensory connection.

Finger Count/Hold Practice

Sit or stand in a relaxed position, use your thumb to touch each finger and count as you go.

Once relaxed hold in one position and breath deeply and evenly. Focus on the sensations in your thumbs. Then move onto the next finger. Each finger corresponds to a different emotion.

Breath Focus

Sit or lie in a comfortable position.

Focus on your breath.

Feel your chest rise and fall and the sensation of the air. If your mind starts to think about other things bring it back to your breath. This will help to reduce stress and improve concentration.

Barefoot Walking

Feel the textures beneath your feet and notice the connection between your body and the earth.

Bare foot walking will improve your balance, proprioception, and body awareness. You will experience increased spacial awareness and grounding by feeling the earth.

Vocal Humming & Toning

Let the humming sound resonate from your voice (or purr), feel the vibration through your body.

Experiment with the different tones and concentrate on the sensation. What feels soothing to you?

Water Sensory

Spend some time with water, (doesn’t have to be in the bath tub) it can be at the sink. Run your hands under the water, notice the temperature and sensations.

Listen to the water and connect with the sound and the feeling of it on your skin.

Slow deep breaths, imagine the water washing away the stress.

Hug A Tree

Find a tree and wrap your arms around it, Iris suggests keeping your feet on the ground, Thula doesn’t agree.

Feel the solidness and stability of the tree. Allow the tree to support you. Feel your stess melt away and your cortisol levels dropping.

Free Form Dance & Movement

Choose some music that echoes your emotions.

Allow your body to move freely, express those feelings through your dance moves.

Follow your natural rhythm.

Swinging & Rocking

Allow yourself to swing gently, feel the motion soothe your body. Slowly rock your body back and forth, focus on the rhythmic motion and the sensations it creates.