Some common signs of hyperarousal include rapid, shallow breathing, tense muscles, racing heartbeat, feeling "on edge" or unable to relax, difficulty sleeping, irritability or anger, and difficulty concentrating.

From a somatic perspective, the breath is seen not merely as a physiological process, but as a profound expression of our embodied state – a window into our deepest needs, fears, and desires. By learning to consciously engage and regulate the breath, we gain access to a powerful tool for self-awareness, self-expression, and self-transformation.

By learning to breathe deeply and fully into the belly, individuals can access a powerful tool for self-regulation, stress reduction, and emotional balance.

By consciously cultivating sensations of groundedness, stability, and connection, whether through affirmations, relational attunement, or evocative imagery, we remind our nervous system that it is possible to experience challenges and still recover a sense of equilibrium and ease.

One of the key insights of somatic therapy is that our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are not separate or distinct experiences but various aspects of a single, integrated mind-body system.

The autonomic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the "fight, flight, or freeze" response to stress or danger, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes "rest and digest" functions and helps to calm the body down after a stressful event.

The nervous system is typically divided into two main branches: the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves that extend throughout the body.

Soma is a term derived from the Greek word for "body" and refers to the living, feeling, and sensing organism that we are.

PMR is based on the simple yet profound principle that physical relaxation can lead to mental and emotional calm.