How to Release Emotions Stored in the Body: 8 Simple Mind-Body Practices
Have you ever felt exhausted for no obvious reason, or noticed chronic tension in your shoulders that won’t seem to go away? Sometimes, our bodies hold onto emotions we haven’t fully processed—without us even realizing it. That tightness in your chest, clenched jaw, or lingering fatigue may be more than just physical.
Our bodies are the container for our emotional experiences. When emotions like stress, grief, anger, or anxiety go unresolved, they can build up over time—often showing up as muscle tension, fatigue, or even chronic pain. The good news is that you can process and release pent-up emotions through various mind-body practices. Below are eight powerful ways you can begin releasing emotions stored in the body:
1
Shake
If you observe animals in the wild, you’ll notice that they often shake after a stressful event. Unlike humans—who often suppress emotional or physical reactions—animals shake, allowing their bodies to complete the stress cycle, release built-up tension, and prevent trauma from being stored in the body. Humans can benefit from this too. Try standing up, loosening your arms and legs, and shaking out your whole body for 1–2 minutes. It may feel silly at first, but it’s a surprisingly effective way to move stagnant energy.
2
Massage Therapy
Getting a massage doesn’t just help soothe sore muscles; it can also help release emotions that are stuck in the body. Gentle touch and pressure activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode), redirecting the flow of energy and allowing emotional energy to move and release. Regular massage therapy sessions can support emotional healing, especially when combined with mindfulness practices.
3
Cry
We often view crying as a sign of weakness, but it’s one of the most natural forms of emotional release. Tears contain stress hormones, so letting yourself cry can release stress and reduce the emotional load on your body. If you’re fearful about “opening up the floodgates,” remember that emotions run a natural course and, when we allow emotions to surface, they tend not to stick around too long.
4
Somatic Movement
Somatic movement involves slow, mindful movements that increase body awareness and release stored tension. Somatic movement is best done with a trained professional who can guide you through customized exercises to meet your unique needs, which we offer at Embodied Wellness Center.
5
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a type of meditation that involves intentionally tensing and releasing different muscle groups. This practice can be helpful for releasing lingering tension in the body and bringing our bodies back to a calm and relaxed state. You can try our guided PMR meditation or explore other guided versions available on YouTube and similar platforms. To practice on your own, start by inhaling and tensing a specific muscle group. Hold your breath briefly while keeping the muscle engaged, then exhale as you release tension from that area. Gradually move through each muscle in your body. If you’re short on time, you can group areas together– like the upper body, lower body, or core– or opt for a full-body tense-and-release for a quick reset.
6
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga involves moving through gentle poses and staying in each pose for longer periods of time, often using props like blocks, bolsters, or blankets. The idea is to allow the body to completely relax. The longer holds create space for emotional release, helping you access deeper layers of tension and stored feelings.
7
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that emotions can block the body’s energy flow, or “Qi.” Acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate specific points, releasing blockages and restoring balance. Many people report feeling lighter, calmer, and more grounded after an acupuncture session.
8
Breathwork
Our breath is intricately linked to our emotions, and it is a direct pathway to our nervous system. Breathwork practices like paced breathing or diaphragmatic breathing can help move emotions through the body. Focused breathing floods your system with oxygen, calms the mind, and creates an opening for emotional energy to surface and be released.
If you feel like you’ve been carrying unprocessed emotions in your body, know that you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. At Embodied Wellness Center, we specialize in somatic therapy to help you safely explore and release emotional tension through body-based techniques.
*Disclaimer: The content posted on this website is for marketing and educational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, psychotherapy or a replacement for mental health treatment. Please seek the advice of your licensed medical or mental health professional, and do not avoid seeking treatment based on anything read on this website.
