Shaking, Not Breaking
Did you know that shaking can release helpful hormones and keep us from breaking under the pressure of our own thoughts and emotions? As a person healing a body chemically addicted to feeling inadequate and misunderstood, I enjoy learning about new ways to mend the relationship between my body and my mind.
HOW IT WORKS
Willingly vibrating parts of our bodies triggers our parasympathetic nervous systems (more on that here). Shaking releases hormones in the brain that allow us to calm down and boosts the lymphatic system’s toxin rid-dance (pun intended – it can help to think about shaking as a deconstructed dance).
START HERE
Heathline spoke to health coach and trauma expert Adair Finucane, who said: “I recommend that somebody starts their day by shaking for 30 seconds if they’ve never shaken before.” Every movement counts – Finucane says that even 10–30 seconds of shaking affects your body positively. “When you feel comfortable, you can build up the practice to 30 seconds to 2 minutes every morning and night.”
FUN FOCUS
What I love the most about shaking, even if I still have not managed to make it part of my daily routine, is that it injects humor into my day and creates mindful transitions. In fact, shaking is common among other mammals. For example, happy dogs shake to change objectives and exert excess energy. This can support humans in 2021 who may be struggling with school, work and personal life all happening in the same space to stay focused and intentional.
INTUITIVE LIBERATION
I have practiced listening to what feels tense in my body and needs motion or massage for release. I have yet to explore more formal practices like shaking meditation, one of Dr. David Berceli’s TRE Exercises that involve controlled involuntary tremors. I am willing to start considering it now because sometimes my mind’s lack of patience cheats me into not fully committing to the shaking for as long as my body needs.
If you can relate to that, consider working with a somatic practitioner or searching for a book or course that can help you gain accountability and a more structured approach to shaking.
TRY THIS
Find a safe space where you can express yourself freely.
Breath deeply and drop expectations.
If it helps you focus, repeat compassionate statements like:
“I trust me.”
“I CAN let go.”
“I am safe.
Proceed to shake
Optional: If you need something to anchor your movement, consider using some music. I like “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, “Harlem Shuffle” by Bob & Earl or any drum-based instrumental.
FIND YOUR WAY
As a person who has dealt with headaches and motion sickness, I know my head does not feel good when I shake it, but my shoulders and hips love it. No one knows your body better than you, be gentle and you’ll find what works best for you.
Please note that if you have experienced involuntary shaking due to Epilepsia or live with variant abilities, shaking can be triggering or unhelpful. For you, stay tuned as I will be covering other helpful nervous system regulation tools in the future.
