Embracing Somatic Exercises: A Path to Healing Anxiety and Trauma for Mothers
As a mom to three little ones under five, I know firsthand how overwhelming life can get. Some days, it feels like I’m running a marathon from the moment I wake up – diapers, snacks, tantrums, laundry piles – and somewhere in the mix, I’m supposed to take care of myself too. Sound familiar?Over the past few years, I’ve discovered something that’s really helped me begin to manage the anxiety and lingering emotional weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying: somatic exercises. They’re gentle, grounding, and (best of all) easy to sneak into the cracks of a busy day. If you’re a mom (or dad, or just bysy period) who’s feeling stretched thin, I hope these practices can help you, too.
In simple terms, somatic exercises are all about reconnecting with your body. Unlike workouts that focus on how you *look*, these focus on how you *feel*. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and noticing what’s going on inside – your breath, your tension, even those little knots in your shoulders you forgot were there. Think gentle movement, deep breathing, grounding techniques – tools to help calm your nervous system and give your mind and body a reset.
You’ll Start Noticing Your Body Again
When was the last time you paused and asked yourself, *How am I feeling right now?* Somatic exercises help you check in and notice where you’re holding stress. That awareness alone can be a game-changer.
A Safe Way to Release What’s Been Stored
Trauma, anxiety, and stress don’t just live in our minds – they show up in our bodies, too. A few deep breaths or gentle movements can sometimes unlock emotions we didn’t even know we were holding. It’s not always easy, but it’s healing.
You’ll Feel Calmer, Period
These practices help shift your body out of “fight or flight” mode and into a more relaxed state. Even just a few minutes can help slow your heart rate, quiet your thoughts, and bring you back to center – especially helpful when the kids are climbing the walls.
It Deepens Your Connection With Your Kids
When we’re more in tune with our own emotions and needs, it naturally flows into our parenting. Plus, our kids learn so much from watching us regulate ourselves. You taking a breath can teach them to do the same someday.
How to Fit It In (Even When You’re Super Busy)
Let’s be real – you don’t need (or may even have) an hour or a quiet room. Here are some bite-sized ways that I personally use to bring somatic practices (and a sense of calmness) into my day:
Breathe On Purpose: Try a few slow, intentional breaths during a diaper change, while waiting for the microwave, or when you’re hiding in the bathroom for a moment of peace.
Move in Ways That Feel Good: Stretch while the coffee brews. Sway to music with your toddler. Pay attention to how your body feels, and follow its lead.
Ground Yourself: Standing in the kitchen? Feel your feet planted firmly on the floor. Picture roots growing from your heels into the earth. Sounds silly, but it works – cespecially when you’re feeling frazzled.
Create a Cozy Corner: Maybe it’s a chair with a soft blanket and your favorite candle. Maybe it’s just your side of the bed. Have a spot you can go to breathe, regroup, and be still – your little reset zone.
A Gentle Reminder: YOU MATTER. Your mental and emotional health are just as important as your kids’ needs. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. These little somatic practices aren’t about doing more. They’re about coming home to yourself, little by little.
Try one today. Just one. And give yourself credit for showing up – for them, and for you.
With love,
Jenn