Dancing, jumping, shaking it out

My father died a few years ago. At first I felt as if I had lost my footing. That I no longer knew who I was.

I would get up in the morning with a sense of floating. And, if I was lucky, I would settle into my normal routine – make the bed, drink some coffee, dive into some work. Giving my mind and body something to do had a normalizing effect on my psyche.

Other times, I would get up, start my day, and at some point remember, or be reminded of him. And, like a wave that hits you off guard, I would feel swept under by a current I could not see. Tears, uncertainty, confusion, sadness.

Grief is funny that way. I was still working, still doing my day, interacting with friends, family, clients. And I would give myself these moments (or hours) of floating on the waves of memories and emotions. And when I had had enough, I would get up and move to shake it off.

I learned a new way of releasing the grip of stress and anxiety, and grief during my grief by watching Gray’s Anatomy. Meredith and Christina would “dance it out” when things were so messed up that it felt hopeless or pointless, or endless. It works!

Sometimes, when you don’t know what else to do, or your head is so full of the story that it can’t let go, or you feel frozen, weighted down, dancing, jumping, or shaking it out can re-set.

Movement is a great story-buster and helps to release pent-up energy, tension, or activated stress response in your body.

Put on some music if it helps. Let your body move in the way it wants to. Dance it out.

Shake out your hands, your legs, your arms, your head (being careful not to use too much force) Shake it out.

Start jumping, bouncing, or skipping. Swing your arms big or twist and let them swing. Jump it out.

You’ll know when it’s enough. Trust your body’s lead.

I include this in Stress First Aid, because it is a great spontaneous activity. It can work when nothing else does.

Try it now.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What do I notice in my body when I allow myself to move, dance, jump, or shake it out?

What do I notice in my thoughts and emotions?

How might I use this tool in my daily life to practice stress resilience?

What feels stuck in my mind or body currently that a little dancing might clear? Give it a shot.

Do you know your dominant stress response type? Do you freeze, run, or fight when stress hits? Take the Stress Response Quiz now and discover how to unlock your personal growth potential.