Running on a treadmill is soothing to me. I love to sweat out stress, the toxins, and I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after a good run. Add to that the endorphin surge and the knowledge I am doing something good for my body and mind I feel energized. But there is also the repetitive movement of my feet on the belt that I find soothing and important.
Activity
It is the repetition that I think about in between sessions with my clients. As a trauma therapist I understand how important repetitive movement is to the nervous system. Whether it is running, coloring, journaling, knitting, or playing the drums, repetitive movement resets a system offline. Opening our palms as we stretch our fingers into these different activities is of significance as well…because anything we can do to stay open (and keep our bodies in motion) when trauma threatens to shut us down is of significance. Movement literally moves trauma out of our bodies.
Predictability
Just as having a steady routine can be soothing and lower stress levels repetitive movement of any kind can offer us consistency and a sense of predictability. In the wake of trauma we face an uncertain outcome…establishing consistent routine and predicable movement can counterbalance the impact.
Sustainability
As we move our bodies in any direction we can bolster our chances of staying in motion (even if we fall forward) and we can even build momentum along the way. Keep moving regardless of the pace. Every step counts.
