Somatic tools offer a profound pathway to connect the mind and body, fostering holistic well-being. These tools, ranging from mindful breathing exercises to yoga and body scans, enable individuals to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and manage emotional responses. By engaging with somatic practices, individuals can release tension held within the body, alleviate physical discomfort, and gain insights into their emotional landscapes. Ultimately, somatic tools empower people to enhance their overall quality of life by promoting self-discovery, emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of inner harmony.
This is a great tool to use if you're feeling stuck in a freeze response. It's simple and can be incredibly efficient at helping things shift and change. You will be moving your body along with your eyes to look around you into three different planes to reassure your nervous system that you're actually safe and present in the here and now.
The first plane is in front and behind. Start by turning your body and your head to look all the way behind you, looking around the room as you do. Slowly come back to the opposite side and repeat the movement. Then look up to the ceiling and down to the floor, and then diagonally up and diagonally down. Repeat the same movements on the opposite side and come back to center.
If you're in a freeze response, moving your neck and eyes can stimulate your vagus nerve, which can help your body recognize that you're in a safe environment. When you do this exercise, you may notice that your body starts to breathe deeply, or you may feel some shaking or trembling, temperature change, or your stomach gurgling. These are all good signs that your body is responding positively.
You can repeat this exercise as many times as you need to help shift and change. Take it slow and be gentle and kind with yourself, and listen to your body while you do so.
