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Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s a full-body experience. From racing hearts to tense shoulders and shallow breaths, anxiety manifests physically, often leaving us feeling stuck or overwhelmed. While traditional approaches to managing anxiety, like talk therapy or mindfulness, are incredibly effective, incorporating somatic (body-based) strategies can help you connect with your body and regulate your nervous system in real-time.
Why somatic strategies work
Anxiety is closely tied to the body’s stress response, often known as the "fight, flight, or freeze" reaction. When anxiety strikes, your nervous system shifts into overdrive, triggering physical symptoms like muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, or restlessness.
Somatic strategies work by addressing anxiety where it’s felt—in the body. By engaging in grounding, movement, or breath-based practices, you can help calm your nervous system, release stored tension, and return to a state of balance.
3 simple somatic strategies to manage anxiety
1. Grounding through the 5-4-3-2-1 technique
Grounding is a powerful way to bring yourself back to the present moment and reduce anxiety. The 5-4-3-2-1 technique helps you tune into your senses to create a sense of safety.
How to do it:
Name 5 things you can see around you.
Name 4 things you can touch.
Name 3 things you can hear.
Name 2 things you can smell.
Name 1 thing you can taste.
By focusing on your sensory experience, you shift your attention away from racing thoughts and into your body.
2. Release tension with Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
Anxiety often causes muscle tension, which can leave you feeling physically uncomfortable. PMR helps release that tension by alternately tensing and relaxing different muscle groups.
How to do it:
Start at your feet: Tense the muscles as tightly as you can for 5 seconds, then slowly release.
Move upward through your body, repeating this with your legs, abdomen, arms, and shoulders.
Finish with your face, tensing and relaxing your jaw, forehead, and cheeks.
PMR can be especially helpful at the end of a stressful day or when you’re having trouble sleeping.
3. Calm your nervous system with box breathing
Breathing exercises are a cornerstone of somatic work because they directly impact your nervous system. Box breathing is simple yet effective for calming anxiety.
How to do it:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts.
Hold your breath for 4 counts.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts.
Hold again for 4 counts before repeating.
Box breathing not only slows your heart rate but also gives your mind something steady to focus on, making it a great practice for moments of acute anxiety.
How therapy can help you go deeper
While somatic strategies can be incredibly effective for managing anxiety in the moment, understanding and addressing the root causes of your anxiety is equally important. Therapy can help you explore the deeper patterns contributing to your anxiety, build long-term resilience, and integrate somatic practices into your healing journey.
At Salt River Therapy, our skilled therapists take a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the connection between the mind and body. We provide a compassionate, safe space for you to explore your anxiety and develop tools to manage it. If anxiety is interfering with your life, you don’t have to face it alone. Schedule a free phone consultation with any of our qualified therapists and begin your journey toward lasting calm and balance.
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