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Shake it off
Trauma and stress can get “stuck” in our bodies. Shaking is a time-tested method used by many cultures around the world to activate the calming part of our brain and to release our stress hormones.
Most of us have seen a dog shake off a stressful encounter. Well, it works for us humans, too!
We're literally shaking the stress out of our body.
STEP ONE.
Find a place where you feel comfortable to practice shaking for a few minutes. You may feel kinda silly doing it at first, so you may want to find someplace private, or do it with someone you trust.
STEP TWO.
Turn on the tunes. Find some rhythmic music that makes you feel good.
STEP THREE.
Take a stand – with your feet about hip distance apart, knees slightly bent, arms at your side.
STEP FOUR.
Bounce. Shake. Swing. Move your head and shoulders, work your jaw back and forth, and if you feel like it – make some sounds. Let it all out.
STEP FIVE.
Bring it back. After a few minutes — or when you feel like you’re ready to stop — let your body settle back into stillness.