How to Calm Your Nerves as a Highly Sensitive Person
Life can be hectic. There are so many things to do and places to be. But some of the best moments in life are when we slow down: as highly sensitive people (HSPs) know, it’s the cozy Sunday with a book in hand, a relaxing walk in the woods, or a long brunch date with a good friend.
How Can We Enjoy Some of This Calmness in Our Daily Lives, Even When Our Days are Busy?
One way is to sway. You know how children love being gently rocked, and how soothing it feels? Well, it turns out that we can benefit from this gentle rhythmic motion at any age. It sends signals to our brain that we can relax. It might feel a bit weird or silly at first, but soon the meditative motion feels nourishing and deeply familiar.
Why Swaying is Good for You
It is a great way to ground yourself. When we are stressed and overwhelmed, our mind races with thoughts. We feel disconnected. Standing and swaying, our feet press into the floor, one foot and then the other, in a conversation with gravity. This brings us back into our bodies and in connection with the earth. Our attention shifts to something that is comforting and gets a well-deserved break from the busyness of our minds.
Swaying also engages the core muscles of our body. The act of physically moving off center and back to center again strengthens our ability to come into our own emotional center and gives us a greater sense of balance.
And lastly, I love this as a grounding practice because it involves movement. Our fast lives create momentum, and pausing to take time to ground can feel really hard, like trying to stop a fast-moving car. Swaying, because it involves movement, allows this transition to be a little smoother, a little more manageable at times.
How to Sway as a Somatic Practice
Curious to give it a try? I recommend having a swaying practice for 3 minutes, twice a day for a few weeks. Try it after a stressful meeting, before lunch, or right before going to bed. You may choose to keep it as a daily practice, and if not, you will have it as a go-to when you are feeling out of sorts.
Swaying: A way to relax and feel more connected to yourself and the earth.
Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips.
Gently bend one knee and then the other, letting your body and head move from side to side. Do this as slowly as you want. Find a pace that feels good.
You can also hug and hum: Wrap your arms around yourself. Give yourself a soft hug. And if you want, you can also hum, make up a song or hum a tune you know.
When you are done, take some time to stop and notice how you feel.
How Did Swaying Make You Feel? Give swaying a try. If you feel inspired, reach out to me at info@inclusive-psychology.com and let me know how it went. I would love to hear from you!
Warmly,
Tekin Meric, MSc
Counselor & Coach
If you would like to receive counseling or coaching support as you navigate your life issues, please feel free to reach out. I would be honored to hold space for you online or in my practice in Amsterdam.
