The Value of Movement
Why moving the body is important?
In my work with clients, much of the focus is on the mind and intentionally processing our responses to stress. But what happens when talking isn’t enough?
When it comes to trauma, or the multiple forms of adversity that we can experience as people, a purely cognitive or intellectual approach isn’t always sufficient for every client.
Engaging the body, using somatic strategies, can be a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves and foster compassion and healing—both physically and mentally.
What are Somatic Strategies?
When we think about healing, we often turn inward—into our thoughts, our beliefs, and our memories. Mental processing is incredibly important, but it’s only one part of the story.
“In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them.”
Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score
Somatics is the field and practice of connecting the mind and body. Instead of just thinking through emotions, somatic work helps us feel them in the body. This approach can reach parts of ourselves where stress, trauma, and emotional tension are often stored without words.
How do repressed emotions get stored as bodily sensations?
Repressed emotions don’t vanish—they often get stored in the body. When we avoid or suppress feelings, the nervous system stays activated, and the body takes on the burden. Over time, this can show up as physical symptoms, reflecting what the mind hasn’t processed.
Why we feel tense:
Nervous System Overload
Chronic stress or unprocessed emotions can keep the body in a heightened fight-or-flight state.
Disconnection from Emotions
When feelings are ignored or suppressed, the body may express them through physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues.
Lack of Emotional Release
Without safe outlets for emotional expression, energy remains stuck in the body’s tissues and nervous system.
Off The Page: Actioning The Insights
An invitation to get your body moving
Listen to what your body is asking for
Emotional tension often goes unnoticed until it appears as fatigue, irritability, or aches. Somatic strategies provide gentle, body-based tools to release this tension. No expertise needed—just a willingness to listen to your body. Here are simple techniques to try at your own pace for greater ease and balance.
Gentle Movement
This week invite space for stretching, walking, or intuitive movement to experiment with shifting bodily sensations and invite in a sensation of calm
Shaking
Shake out the arms, shoulders, legs, and body in a freeform way to invite in an intuitive discharge of stored tense energy
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Explore rounds of tension and release within parts of your body to invite a greater connection with physical sensations that create tension within the mind
Click here to a easy to follow script to support you if you are new to this practice
Important Note
Movement is personal—this week, I invite you to move in ways that feel good, restorative, and energizing, guided only by your own needs. The images of yoga poses are included to emphasize the notion of movement, not to encourage only one type of movement. Do what serves you and your own relationship with your body.
If you desire:
Clients of mine frequently report the benefit of The Workout Witch in terms of releasing stored tension alongside talk therapy. In my own experience, these strategies do a great job of facilitating a sense of re—grounding and balance within the body.
Thank You
Thank you for joining me this week! I’m excited to keep sharing insights from my work, research, and personal journey with you.
Did something resonate with you? Curious about applying these strategies in your life? Or know someone who might benefit?
Use the link below to schedule a consultation or forward this newsletter to a friend!
Extras
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Join me in The Library
I have recently published The LIbrary at charanbashir.com. Here you will find a collection of reads that have cultivated inspiration, joy, curiosity, insight, discovery, and self reflection + you can check out my current reads and read along with me.
Explore the Shop
Passionate about wellness? I am currently partnered with two brands that focus on the creation of products to support individual wellness. Navigate the links below to learn more!
Soothing, slightly weighted, pre-shrunk materials that provide comfort and calm as you take on your everyday.
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