How to Release Stress Stored in the Body: A Somatic Therapist’s Guide

Stress doesn’t disappear when the situation ends.
Your body keeps the score — and keeps the tension.
Here’s how to gently release stress stored in your body.

1. Breathwork That Opens the Body

Slow, deep, belly breathing signals safety and unwinds held tension.

2. Somatic Tracking

This involves noticing a sensation without trying to fix it — which often allows it to soften and release.

3. Conscious Movement

Gentle swaying, intuitive movement, or shaking activates release pathways.

4. Emotional Naming (Somatic Style)

Instead of thinking about the emotion, you feel its shape, temperature, or movement in the body.

If you need support releasing stress stored in your body, I offer somatic emotional release therapy in Los Angeles and virtually worldwide.

julie otte