Stress is a part of our lives that can not be avoided. Oftentimes, we find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed as a result of reasons ranging from personal responsibilities to demanding work schedules.
Meanwhile, the impact of stress on humans goes beyond only mental strain. They also take a toll on our physical well-being. However, somatic therapy enables us to manage daily stress and move beyond trauma. It is a highly advantageous approach for people who have ever experienced trauma and are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Somatic therapy is rooted in the knowledge that our bodies have the key to healing. The word “Soma” means the physical body as a whole, comprising not just the physical aspects, but also the sensations and emotions within.
Let us now examine how we can incorporate somatic therapy into our daily practices for mindful living.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy, also referred to as somatic experiencing therapy, is a holistic step to healing that places priority on the connection between the body and the mind. This therapy is especially effective in dealing with PTSD, and trauma, coupled with several emotional and mental health issues by concentrating on the physical expressions of emotional distress.
Therefore, unlike traditional talk therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which mainly focuses on cognitive processes, somatic experiencing therapy stresses the interplay between the body and the mind. It incorporates body-centered modalities, such as breathwork, dance, and meditation, to encourage mental healing. Interestingly, somatic therapy sessions sometimes combine mind-body exercises with talk therapy.
Moreover, in somatic therapy, people are directed to become increasingly attuned to their emotions, body sensations, and physical reactions. This therapy enables individuals to know how their bodies save and show emotional experiences via fostering mindfulness and self-awareness.
Somatic therapy can be especially of benefit for those who have ever experienced trauma, as it helps in releasing trauma, tension, and stress that could be lodged in the body.
Incorporating Somatic Therapy Into Daily Living
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Making somatic therapy a part of your everyday routine can have several benefits for your mental health and entire well-being. You could begin by setting aside some minutes every day for breathing exercises, body awareness, and grounding. Those practices can contribute to improving resilience, minimizing stress levels, and enhancing emotional regulation.
Incorporating somatic psychotherapy into a holistic wellness schedule can give a detailed approach to deal with stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, through the combination of the somatic approach with other self-care practices such as mindfulness, healthy eating, and exercise, individuals can develop a detailed technique for their entire well-being.
If you intend to further explore somatic practices, you can consider looking for a certified somatic therapist in your area. Somatic therapists are trained experts who can take you through the healing process and stress management with the use of somatic therapy techniques. They can also give personalized support and tailor the therapy to your particular needs.
In addition, note that there are various other resources available to know more about somatic therapy, including books, workshops, and online courses. They can give valuable insights and practical exercises into your everyday life. They can also help to increase your understanding level of somatic psychotherapy, coupled with empowering you to actively participate in your healing journey.
Furthermore, managing daily stress and moving beyond trauma is essential for your entire well-being. Somatic therapy provides a special and working approach through the integration of both the body and mind in the process of healing.
With the knowledge and understanding of the various types of stress and the effects of trauma, we can then value the importance of the ways by which somatic therapy can help bring back balance and encourage resilience. Bear in mind that making somatic therapy a part of your holistic wellness plan will help to improve your overall health and allow you to have a healthier relationship with yourself.
Stress and Trauma
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Stress can be classified into three types, namely chronic, episodic, and acute. While chronic stress is long-term and usually stems from unsettled traumatic experiences, episodic stress results when acute stress becomes a recurring pattern in our lives. Acute stress, on the other hand, is short-term and is often caused by a particular event, like a conflict or an important deadline.
Trauma can be a main source of chronic stress. If it is the result of one event or prolonged exposure to distressing matters, post-traumatic stress can have a great impact on the physical and mental health of an individual. The stress response system of the body becomes hyperactive, resulting in a wide range of physiological effects and psychological symptoms.
Techniques of Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy makes use of different techniques to enable individuals to ameliorate emotional stress and previous trauma experiences. For example, body awareness strategies motivate individuals to be attentive to their bodies’ signals, helping in the identification and release of tension.
Grounding exercises help to bring focus to the current moment, developing safety and stability. In addition, breathing exercises increase relaxation and control the stress response of the body. Other techniques include pendulation, body scanning, movement therapies, and progressive muscle relaxation, among others.
To integrate these strategies into your daily life, you can begin by looking for a quiet space where you can be available to yourself. For instance, integrate deep breathing exercises into your daily routine to allow rest and calm your nervous system. Also, you can carry out grounding by feeling the support of the ground underneath you and connecting with your senses, concentrating on physical sensations, and releasing all tension areas.
When to Employ Somatic Therapy Techniques
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Somatic therapy techniques and exercises are of benefit the most when people are struggling with different psychological problems, particularly concentrating on trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For people who find it difficult to manage their emotional reactions to stressors and triggers, somatic therapy equips them with the required self-regulation tools. Through improving self-awareness and encouraging mindfulness, somatic therapy makes individuals identify physical signs of emotional distress and react in healthier and more controlled ways.
