Back to Your Body: Somatic Exercises to Reconnect + Reset
Let’s be real: teaching can be a lot. The constant pressure, the noisy classrooms, the emotional labor… it’s easy to feel like your body is just along for the ride while your brain goes into survival mode. But. here’s the truth most of us don’t recognize: our nervous systems are asking for a break. That’s where somatic exercises come in.
You don’t have to wait for summer break to start feeling like yourself again. Somatic practices are gentle, non-invasive, and don’t require extra time or equipment, just your presence.
What is Somatic Work?
The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body”. Somatic exercises are practices that help you reconnect with your body through gentle movement, breath, and awareness. It’s not about intense workouts or perfect poses. It’s about tuning in, releasing tension, and helping your nervous system regulate.
For stressed-out educators, this work is powerful. It allows you to feel better in your skin, even when the world around you feels loud and unpredictable.
Why It Works Well for Teachers
We often live in our heads: planning, problem-solving, managing chaos. Over time, this disconnection from the body can lead to:
Chronic tension (tight shoulders, clenched jaws, headaches)
Emotional burnout
Trouble sleeping
Feeling numb, irritable, or anxious
Does that list sound familiar? Somatic practices help you get back into your body in simple, quick, and doable ways.
3 Quick Somatic Practices to Try Now
1. The 5-Second Shoulder Drop
Great between classes or while standing at your desk.
Inhale and lift your shoulders up toward your ears.
Exhale with a sigh and drop them all the way down.
Repeat 3–5 times slowly.
This resets your posture and signals to your brain: It’s safe to soften.
2. Butterfly Hug
Perfect during high-stress moments or before a tough conversation.
Cross your arms over your chest so your hands rest on opposite upper arms (like a self-hug).
Gently tap your hands one at a time, left–right–left–right.
Breathe slowly and focus on the rhythm.
This bilateral stimulation calms the nervous system and brings you back to center.
3. Orienting Practice
A beautiful way to re-ground during your prep period or after a tough class.
Look around the room slowly.
Let your eyes land on objects that feel neutral or pleasant.
Notice colors, textures, light.
Breathe deeply as you take in your space.
This reminds your body: I’m not in danger. I’m here now.
Want Support?
Guided videos coming soon! In the meantime, please reach out to us… we’ve got you!
