How I Used Somatic Therapy to Calm My Body (When Nothing Else Worked)
The Story
For years, I tried to calm my mind.
I read books. I tried apps. I talked to therapists.
But my anxiety wasn't just in my head. It lived inside my body.
- My shoulders were tight.
- My chest felt heavy.
- My stomach would clench for no reason.
I couldn’t think my way out of it. I needed something else.
My Therapist Told Me Something I Didn’t Expect
“Sometimes your body holds onto stress even after your mind understands it.”
That’s when she introduced me to somatic therapy.
It’s a fancy way of saying: Help your body let go of the tension it’s holding.
What is Somatic Therapy?
It’s not about talking. It’s about feeling.
Somatic therapy teaches you to:
- Notice where your body feels tight
- Breathe into those spots
- Let your nervous system reset
You don’t need special equipment. You don’t need hours of practice. You just need a few simple exercises you can do every day.
The 3 Exercises That Changed Everything For Me
1️⃣ The Butterfly Hug
I cross my arms over my chest, like giving myself a hug. I gently tap my shoulders one after the other, left-right-left-right. My breathing slows. My nervous system starts to calm. After one minute, my body feels lighter.
2️⃣ The Body Shake
I stand up and gently shake my arms, legs, and whole body for 30-60 seconds. It feels silly, but it works. My muscles loosen. My heart rate drops. The tight energy leaves my body.
3️⃣ Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
One muscle group at a time, I tense for 5 seconds, then release. I start with my feet and work up to my head. As I release each muscle, the tension melts away. My whole body feels softer and calmer.
The Hardest Part Was Remembering To Do It
I always meant to practice. But when I was stressed, I forgot everything I learned.
That’s when I found something that made it easy.
The Somatic Therapy Exercise Cards Helped Me Stay Consistent
The cards live on my nightstand. Every morning, I pull one card. It gives me a small, simple exercise I can do right away.
Some of the cards say things like:
- “Do the Butterfly Hug for 60 seconds.”
- “Shake your body gently for 30 seconds to release tension.”
- “Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation starting with your feet.”
They only take 1-2 minutes. But they work. Because I actually do them.
👉 See the Somatic Therapy Exercise Cards
Why This Works (And Why Other Things Didn’t)
Somatic therapy doesn’t fight your thoughts. It helps your body feel safe again.
- When your body feels safe, your mind relaxes.
- When your body lets go, anxiety has nowhere to live.
It’s simple. It’s gentle. It works.
I Sleep Better. I Feel Lighter. I’m Finally Calm.
I don’t live in fear of my own body anymore.
Not because I learned something new. But because I finally practice — every single day.
👉 Start Your Daily Somatic Practice Here
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Related Reads You Might Like:
- How I Use CBT Cards to Calm My Morning Anxiety
- Habit Stacking for Mental Health: 17 Tips
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Easy Technique to Reduce Anxiety
Final Thought
You don’t have to fight your body. You just have to teach it to relax.
Start small. Start today. Start with one card.