Healing Practices That Don't Spike Your Cortisol

Healing Practices That Don't Spike Your Cortisol

Over the past three years I've worked to refine the practices I use that don't spike my cortisol. As someone who exclusively ran or used cardio, I've loved testing out all of the fun and unique ways there are to move that I can use when I feel stuck. As a busy mom, I needed nervous system regulation rituals that I could do at home as well as somatic release practices for stress and trauma when I feel stuck.

As a Gemini Rising it's important for me to have a diverse tool-kit of practices that I can call upon. While walking is a consistent practice in my life, I've found that staying adaptable to my body's needs has given me the most benefit. 

Below, I've listed the practices that I've consistently used for the past year+. 

Nervous System Reset

  • Nervous System Reset Ritual
    • Whether I have 1,3,5 or 10 minutes I tap in and soothe
  • Acupressure Mat
    • Release tension and signal safety to my nervous system 
  • Upward Eye Roll Release
    • Close my eyes and look up toward my third eye to shift into rest and digest
  • Physiological Sigh
    • Two short inhales followed by a long exhale for fast grounding
  • Qi Gong
    • Ancient flowing movement that relaxes and energizes
  • Sauna Meditation
    • Heat heals and meditation grounds 
  • Sound Bowl Healing
    • The sound vibrations move through me calming my vagal nerve

Somatic Release

  • Swaying
    • Simple and body led, let's me release what my body doesn't want to hold
  • Flapping like a bird
    • Opening my heart space and letting energy flow
  • Dancing 
    • Inner child healing and body-led, let's me release what needs to flow
  • Somatic Workouts (Workout Witch)
    • Small, gentle movements that allow my body to release past trauma
  • Red Light Therapy
    • NIR light casts vibrations that heal on a cellular level and reduce inflammation
  • 4-3-2-1 Ritual
    • I use this to start my day with presence and gentle body-led movement

Workouts

  • Yoga
    • Slow, grounding movements- I meet myself where I am
  • Mat Pilates with Maddy Karlsson
    • Small movements that elongate and strengthen 
  • Weight Training
    • Keeps me strong to carry my children and helps with bone density
  • Walking 
    • Here I regulate and meditate while connecting with  my body
  • Hiking / Incline Walking 
    • Hiking in nature reminds me that I am connected to something greater than myself
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