stress Archives – IWA Coaching

Articles Tagged with: stress

Understanding Somatic Practice vs. Somatic Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Well-being

In recent years, the concepts of somatic healing also known as somatic practice or somatic coaching and the field of somatic therapy have gained traction as effective methods for achieving holistic well-being. Both practices (modalities) are grounded in the belief that our bodies hold wisdom and that tapping into this wisdom can lead to profound personal growth and healing. However, despite their similarities, somatic practice or somatic coaching and somatic therapy serve different purposes and utilize distinct approaches. In short, they are two very separate fields, as different as life coaching and psychotherapy.

What is Somatic Practice?

Somatic practice also known as somatic coaching is a form of personal development that integrates body awareness, somatic techniques, embodiment and movement as the central point within a coaching process. Unlike traditional coaching, which primarily focuses on achieving life goals, somatic practice recognizes the body as a critical component of the coaching journey towards achieving healing., wellbeing, balanced life and ultimately happiness. The Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certification Course https://iwacoaching.com/somatic-practitioner-certification/ trains and equips graduates to help their clients more effectively deal with life in an embodied and grounded way while assisting with stress, anxiety, lack of balance, depression and trauma. This type of somatic practice utilizes effective tools and techniques that empower individuals to increase their capacity for stressors, process and release stuck stress and trauma and become more aware /self-aware and attuned within themselves. This practice supports clients to self-regulate their nervous system, stay grounded, achieve an even better understanding of their internal landscape (embodiment) and re-wire the neural pathways (behavior patterns) that have developed as a result of current and past stuck emotions, trauma and chronic stress.

Key Aspects of Somatic Practice:

Body Awareness: Somatic practice encourages clients to become more aware of their bodily sensations, posture, and movement patterns, including where and how they store stress and emotions. This heightened awareness helps individuals understand how their physical state influences their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Embodied Practices: Techniques such as breathing exercises, mindful movement, and body-centered visualization are used to help clients reconnect with their bodies and access their inner wisdom.
Goal-Oriented: Somatic practice is typically future-focused and goal-oriented in the ways that somatic care plans and daily somatic practice help the client to achieve sustainable positive change. Practitioners work with clients to identify and achieve somatic goals, using the body as a tool for insight and transformation.
Empowerment: By fostering a deeper connection with their bodies, clients are empowered to make more informed and authentic choices in their lives.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy, on the other hand, is a form of psychotherapy (talk-therapy) that also integrates body awareness but places a stronger emphasis on healing trauma and addressing psychological issues through the traditional mental health modality of psychotherapy. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the understanding that trauma and emotional distress are often stored in the body.

Key Aspects of Somatic Therapy:

Trauma-Informed: Somatic therapy is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma. It helps clients release stored trauma and heal emotional wounds by working through bodily sensations and movements. It is important to note that somatic practice and somatic coaching also does the same.
Mind-Body Integration: Therapists use techniques such as somatic experiencing, body-focused dialogue, and touch to help clients process and integrate traumatic experiences alongside of psychotherapy. The goal is to create a harmonious connection between the mind and body.
Emotional Healing: Somatic therapy aims to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions by addressing the root causes stored within the body. Again, often with somatic practice and somatic coaching client’s experience these same positive outcomes.
Therapeutic Relationship: The relationship between the therapist and client is crucial in somatic therapy. The therapist provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore and heal their embodied experiences.

Somatic practice and somatic coaching as well as somatic therapy offer unique pathways to harness the wisdom of the body for personal growth and healing. Somatic practitioners and somatic coaches experience hugely rewarding careers and are in high demand currently around the world. Since somatic practice and somatic coaching is an unregulated industry, those who are certified can legally practice anywhere in the world, both virtually via video sessions or by offering in-person sessions.

What Is a Somatic Workout & What Are The Benefits?

In a world where fitness trends come and go, one term that has been gaining traction is “somatic workout.” But what exactly does it entail, and how does it differ from other forms of exercise? Let’s delve into the essence of somatic workouts and explore their unique benefits.

Understanding Somatic Workouts

At its core, somatic workouts, also often referred to as somatic movement or somatic exercises focus on enhancing body awareness, movement quality, and overall physical well-being. Unlike traditional exercise routines that often prioritize external goals such as burning calories or building muscle, somatic workouts emphasize internal awareness and mindfulness.

The term “somatic” derives from the Greek word “soma,” meaning the body as perceived from within. Somatic exercises aim to re-educate the body’s movement patterns, release muscular tension, and improve posture through gentle, mindful movements.

Key Principles of Somatic Workouts

Mind-Body Connection: Somatic workouts emphasize the connection between the mind and body. Participants are encouraged to become more aware of their bodily sensations, movements, and breathing patterns.
Slow and Gentle Movements: Unlike high-intensity workouts, somatic exercises involve slow, gentle movements designed to activate and engage specific muscles while fostering relaxation.
Release of Muscular Tension: Through mindful movements and gentle stretching, somatic workouts help release tension held in the muscles, promoting greater flexibility and mobility.
Focus on Sensation: Somatic Practitioners who offer somatic workouts as one of their services encourage clients to focus on the sensations arising within their bodies during each movement, fostering a deeper understanding of their physical capabilities and limitations.
Improvement of Body Awareness: Somatic exercises aim to enhance proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position and movement in space. By honing this skill, individuals can move more efficiently and gracefully.

Benefits of Somatic Workouts

Reduced Muscular Tension: Somatic exercises can alleviate chronic muscular tension, helping to relieve discomfort and improve overall flexibility.
Improved Posture: By promoting awareness of posture and alignment, somatic workouts can assist in correcting postural imbalances and reducing the risk of injury.
Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion: Through gentle stretching and movement, somatic workouts increase flexibility and improve the body’s range of motion, leading to greater ease of movement in daily activities.
Stress Reduction: The mindful nature of somatic exercises can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
Better Body Awareness: Practicing somatic workouts fosters a deeper connection with one’s body, enhancing proprioception and overall body awareness.

Getting Started with Somatic Workouts

If you’re interested in exploring somatic workouts, consider seeking guidance from a certified Integrative Somatic Practitioner certified through Integrative Wellness Academy (or becoming certified yourself!). Start slowly, paying close attention to your body’s sensations and limitations.

Remember that somatic workouts are not about pushing your body to its limits but rather about cultivating awareness and fostering a deeper connection with your physical self. With regular practice, you may find yourself moving more freely, with greater ease and grace, both on and off the mat.

In a world where hustle and bustle often dominate our lives, somatic workouts offer a valuable opportunity to slow down, tune in, and truly connect with our bodies. So why not give it a try and embark on a journey toward greater physical and mental well-being? Your body will thank you for it.

Somatic Workouts vs. Yoga: Exploring the Differences

While somatic workouts and yoga share commonalities in their emphasis on mindful movement and body awareness, there are distinct differences between the two practices. Let’s delve into how somatic workouts differ from yoga, particularly in their approach to intuitive movement and emotional release.

Intuitive Movement:

Somatic Workouts: In somatic workouts, the emphasis is placed on intuitive movement that arises from within the individual. Practitioners are encouraged to listen to their bodies and move in ways that feel natural and authentic, focusing on sensations rather than adhering to predefined poses or sequences.

Yoga: While yoga also promotes mindful movement, it often follows structured sequences of poses (asanas) guided by an instructor or a predetermined class plan. While there is room for personal adaptation and exploration within yoga, somatic workouts prioritize individualized movement based on internal cues and sensations.

Focus on Emotional Release:

Somatic Workouts: One key differentiating aspect of somatic workouts is their focus on emotional release through movement. By tuning into the body’s sensations and allowing emotions to surface, practitioners may experience a cathartic release of pent-up emotions stored within the body’s tissues.

Yoga: While yoga can also facilitate emotional release, it typically does so through practices such as breathwork (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness techniques. While emotional release may occur during yoga practice, it is not always the primary focus as it is in somatic workouts.

Emphasis on Body Awareness:

Somatic Workouts: Somatic workouts place a strong emphasis on cultivating body awareness and proprioception, the ability to sense the position and movement of one’s body. Through mindful movement and sensory awareness, practitioners deepen their understanding of their bodies and their physical capabilities.

Yoga: Yoga also promotes body awareness, but it often does so through static poses and alignment cues. While yoga encourages practitioners to be present in their bodies, somatic workouts offer a more dynamic approach to body awareness through intuitive movement and sensory exploration.

Finding the Right Practice for You

Whether you gravitate towards somatic workouts or yoga, both practices offer valuable tools for cultivating mindfulness, improving physical well-being, and fostering emotional resilience. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preferences, goals, and personal journey.

If you’re drawn to intuitive movement and a focus on emotional release, somatic workouts may resonate more deeply with you. On the other hand, if you prefer structured sequences and a holistic approach to mind-body-spirit connection, yoga could be your practice of choice.

Regardless of which path you choose, both somatic workouts and yoga offer opportunities for self-exploration, growth, and transformation. So why not explore both and discover which practice aligns best with your unique needs and desires? After all, the most important journey is the one that leads you back to yourself.

Taking Your Practice to the Next Level with Integrative Wellness Academy

If you’ve been inspired by the principles of somatic workouts and are eager to share their transformative potential with others, consider becoming a certified Integrative Somatic Practitioner through the Integrative Wellness Academy. This comprehensive training program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to guide both individual clients and groups in somatic movement practices and other somatic healing practices.

Comprehensive Curriculum:

The Integrative Somatic Practitioner program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends scientific understanding with experiential learning. You’ll delve deep into the principles of somatic practices and movement, anatomy, neuroscience, and psychology, gaining a holistic understanding of how the body-mind connection influences overall well-being.

Hands-On Experience:

Through hands-on training practicum experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Whether working one-on-one with clients or leading group classes, you’ll learn how to effectively facilitate somatic practices that promote healing, resilience, and empowerment.

Individualized Guidance:

As you progress through the program, you’ll receive personalized guidance and mentorship as needed from experienced instructors who are passionate about somatic education. You are able to schedule 1-on-1 calls with instructors as well as get community for virtual study and practice partners amongst your virtual cohort group. Whether you have prior experience in any healing or wellness modality and somatic practices or are new to the field, you’ll receive the education you need to thrive as a somatic practitioner.

Versatility and Adaptability:

Upon completing the Integrative Somatic Practitioner program, you’ll be equipped to work with clients of all ages and abilities in a variety of settings. Whether you choose to offer private sessions, teach group classes, lead retreats or workshops or integrate somatic principles into existing wellness practices, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of your clients.

Empowering Others:

As a certified Integrative Somatic Practitioner, you’ll have the privilege of guiding others on their journey toward greater embodiment, self-awareness, and empowerment. Whether facilitating gentle movements to release tension or guiding individuals through emotional processing techniques, releasing stress or trauma, you’ll play a vital role in supporting others on their path to holistic well-being.

Embrace Your Calling as a Somatic Practitioner

Becoming a certified Integrative Somatic Practitioner through the Integrative Wellness Academy is more than just a professional certification—it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By embracing the principles of somatic healing and embodying them in your own practice, you’ll not only enrich your own life but also have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others.

Whether you’re drawn to somatic practices for their potential to heal physical ailments, reduce stress, overcome trauma, or foster emotional resilience, the Integrative Somatic Practitioner certification course offers a pathway to deepen your understanding and share your passion with the world. Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? If so, the Integrative Wellness Academy welcomes you with open arms. To learn more about the certification course click HERE

Holiday Thri-val Guide… For Coaches and Their Clients

Don’t just survive the holiday season, set yourself up to THRIVE!

The holiday season has officially arrived holding all the joys, pains, fears, expectations, anxieties, to-do lists and other challenges we are ANTICIPATING. Maybe, just maybe THIS holiday season can be different. Maybe instead of surviving the holidays, you can THRIVE through the season. How? It will take intentionality, a willingness to shift your mind set and actions to reflect those. It will take a pro-active approach versus a reactive approach. What do you think? Are you up for the challenge? Although this may take planning and work, aren’t the benefits of a THRIVING holiday season worth the efforts of taking steps now?

Here is our simple ‘how to’ prep yourself for a THRIVING holiday season.

First, commit to approaching the upcoming season with the following mindset:

I can only change me, my perspective and how I experience things. And because I can change these things, I can experience the holiday season how I want to experience them.

Second, decide to proactively approach the holiday season with:

Intention, Attention & Intentional Action

Here are some additional ‘how to’ steps that you can take to create the THRIVING holiday season you desire, so grab a pen and a notebook and answer these questions as boldly and honestly as you can:

1. What DO you want?

Many times people spend their time and energy focused on what they DON’T want…so what is it that you DO want to have, do or experience this holiday season? Remember to keep your answers focused on yourself, meaning do not list all the things you want other people or circumstances to be, do or behave like. Instead, list what YOU want to experience, do or have… these are the things that you will be able to impact and shift.

For example, I may want my crazy aunt Nancy to not be so critical of me. Since I certainly can’t control or change her, I would refocus my goal on what I can control…my mind set, my reactions, my experience of Nancy. What that could look like is; ‘if Nancy gets critical towards me I don’t want to loose my temper, I want to experience peace and loving thoughts no matter what anyone else behaves like’.

So now, make a list of what it is that you really really want to have, do and experience this holiday season.

2. Ask yourself why, what is the motivation behind your wants and actions.

Next, take that list that you made and for each thing that you wrote down that you wanted to have, do and/or experience, ask yourself ‘WHY, what is the motivation behind my wants?’, write down your answers and be honest with yourself. You may be surprised at what you discover. The truth will set you free, free from negative emotions and beliefs or mind sets that keep you from what you want.

3. Write down your expectations and then edit them to be boundaries you set for yourself NOT them.

First write down your expectations, expectations are like wants that we project with emotion attached to them, for example… I expect nice gifts or else it means I am not loved enough. Give yourself permission to really really let loose and write every expectation that you may have no matter how big, small, unrealistic, simple or outlandishly ridiculous it may be… write it all down in a list format.

Next, lets take a look at boundaries. I used to think boundaries were something you told people that expressed what they could and could not do within a relationship with me. This could not be further from the truth, what I just described is ‘being controlling; not ‘setting a boundary’. Boundaries are the perimeters we set for ourselves with ourselves. It’s the agreements we make in order to lovingly take care of ourselves in the world and in relationships with others. So now that I have explained the difference take that list of expectations you have and write a boundary for yourself next to each.

This is an example of what it could look like:

I have an expectation that everyone will get along/ I set a boundary with myself that if people begin to fight that I will not participate and I will go for a walk.
I have an expectation that I will eat too much and feel terrible afterwards/ I will set a boundary with myself that I will eat whatever I want but I will eat small portions and then go for a long walk outside afterwards.

4. Go in ‘full’ not ‘empty’.

This is where getting really serious about being proactive is the rubber meeting the road so to speak, if you want to THRIVE this holiday season STOP RIGHT NOW and plan some serious rest and renewal time ASAP! If you go into the season worn out, drained and on empty what do you have to offer yourself or the ones you love? You can’t write a check on an overdrawn bank account. So make some serious deposits now!

Write a few ideas for things you can do to replenish your energy and go into the season renewed and revitalized.

5. Make a self-care sandwich.

What is a sandwich? Well, you take two pieces of bread and put something in the middle, then you have a sandwich. What I am inviting you to do is to create a self care sandwich around each and every holiday event throughout the season. The acts of self care will be your bread (one on either side) and the holiday event will be the center.

This allows you to go in full as well as restore yourself before returning to life’s daily demands. This can look any way that you find helpful. One example is, say you go fly to visit family Friday thru Monday one week over the holidays. A good self care sandwich could look like also taking Thursday and Tuesday off of work and having a pajama and movie marathon day at home. Self care actions can be anything that help you feel recharged, renewed and relaxed.

Go ahead and write down your holiday event plans and then write down some ideas to create ‘self care sandwiches’ around them.

6. Ask yourself what can I let go of in order to create more of what I do want?

Often people get very attached to the way they see things or their opinion about the way something is supposed to go. I invite you to let go of these types of beliefs and mind sets that may limit you from experiencing and creating a thriving holiday season. What do you need to let go of in order to create or experience more of what you DO want? It might be letting go of being right, or of being perfect, or of trying to fulfill or be what you think others want or need you to be. Or it may be something else.

Write a list of the things you need to let go of in order to create more of what you do want during the holidays. Then take a look at that list and ask yourself if you are truly willing to let that stuff go. Then hold yourself accountable to really let it go. You may have to remind yourself numerous times not to jump back on that old hamster wheel and take another spin or two round and round. That’s ok, just stick with your agreement with yourself to let it go, remind yourself and redirect your thoughts to what you do want to create instead.

7. Approaching it all in a balanced way.

When I was young I would party on full blast and whatever the consequences were from lack of sleep, etc. I would simply deal with them when they came around… that was not a mature approach to celebration or to living life. When we are intentional and balanced we get the outcome we want.

I invite you to budget, budget your time, energy and money. Give yourself some parameters of what IS balanced celebration of these holidays for you. That may mean eating one cookie but not 20. It may mean buying smaller gifts or committing to fewer events. If you have celebrated at least a few holidays in your life you probably have some idea what has felt unbalanced or ‘over the top’ or has led to negative results and what has felt balanced and positive.

Write about what you feel would be balanced for you during this holiday season. Make a game plan!

May you experience joy, love, peace and balance this holiday season exactly the way you desire it to be!

In Wellness & Wholeness,

Rachel Eva