Movement Reset | Emotion-Release Techniques for the Body
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Movement Reset
An embodied practice to help your nervous system regulate when words aren’t enough.
Emotions are physiological. They live in your chest, your jaw, your gut. And when you don't move them through, they don’t just disappear — they store. Movement reset is a body-based way to discharge emotion and support regulation.
These practices don’t require a mat or a studio. They are small, accessible actions:
• Shake your arms and legs out for 30 seconds
• Roll your shoulders back and stretch your neck
• Go for a 5-minute walk with no phone
• Do five wall push-ups or reach to the ceiling and exhale with sound
These are not workouts. They’re nervous system resets. Movement can signal to your brain that you are safe, present, and allowed to feel.
Research in somatic psychology shows that repetitive, rhythmic movement reduces cortisol levels and helps shift emotional states faster than cognitive tools alone. It's especially helpful when you're frozen, frustrated, or disconnected.
Try It With a Guide
This 3-minute movement reset is designed for emotional release — even on a work break:
You don’t have to power through emotions. You can move through them.
Start with what feels possible. One stretch. One exhale. One step.
Want more ways to emotionally regulate through body and mind? Explore the full Emotional Regulation Toolkit.
