What happens after somatic exercises?

After somatic exercises, you should feel a release of muscle tension ( 1 ). This can be different for everyone, with some people taking longer than others to notice any benefits. You may experience some muscle soreness or pain as your joints shift into alignment and you use muscles that you don’t typically use. To help avoid or reduce any side effects when starting somatic exercises, you should start very gradually and with very low-impact exercises.

Is it normal to feel tired after somatic exercises?

It’s normal to feel tired after somatic exercises as you’re using muscles, focusing on improving your nervous system, and using exertion ( 14 ).

Why do people cry during somatic workouts?

It’s perfectly normal to cry during a somatic workout. This is due to the fact that you’re releasing pent-up or stored emotions or working through past trauma ( 15 ).

How often should you do somatic exercises?

You can do somatic exercises every day. These exercises can be done at any time. Some people prefer to do them in the morning as a way to start their day grounded, while others prefer to do them right before bed to help them sleep. They can take between 5 and 30 minutes to do ( 16 ).

Blog Editorial team Melissa Geraghty, PsyD

Melissa Geraghty, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist, Empowered Relief™ Instructor

Dr. Melissa Geraghty, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist and Stanford-trained Certified Empowered Relief™ Instructor. She has received recognition for her clinical excellence and patient advocacy.

Her career is highlighted by her role as CEO of Phoenix Rising. With specialties in chronic pain, complex medical issues, rare diseases, body image, and eating disorders, she has made significant contributions as an international keynote presenter, workshop facilitator, and medical gaslighting sensitivity trainer.

Dr. Geraghty’s advocacy and expertise extend to various media platforms, including publications in Newsweek, Forbes Health, and Oprah Daily. She has been honored with numerous awards for her clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and contributions to mental health awareness.

Experience

CEO of Phoenix Rising
Medical Gaslighting Sensitivity Trainer
Mental Health Consultant, Advisor, and Advocate
Published in Newsweek, Forbes Health, and Oprah Daily, to name a few
Creator of the online program “The Ultimate Eating Disorders Bootcamp for Parents” and MP3 mindfulness recordings, “Mindful Moments with Dr. Melissa Geraghty”
Past Board Member at two Non-Profits (eating disorders and migraine/headache diseases)
Experience working in Outpatient, Inpatient, PHP, IOP, Residential, and Hospital Settings
Most Trusted Clinical Health Psychologist 2024 (Midwest USA): Global Health & Pharma
Best Medical Gaslighting Trainer 2023 (Midwest USA): Global Health & Pharma
Hero of Hope Caregiver Award 2016: International Pain Foundation
Clinical Excellence Award 2015: Midwest Pain Society