Sometimes, we are overwhelmed by pent up emotions. Usually, we don’t realize that we have been submerging them and so it can be a real surprise when they overtake us. This can happen especially during times of high stress and confinement. Like now.

A very powerful release exercise is shaking. It’s easy and you don’t need any props. Any time you feel a build up of emotional energy, you can literally shake it off.

If you need something in the moment, simply stop and shake your hands. Just let your wrists go back and forth as quick as you can letting your fingers and palm shake in all directions. Put some elbow into it to really shake them up. Shake until you can get a smile on your face.

When you can do a full-body shake, it is an amazing emotional detox and release. Start by sitting in a chair and move your toes (you can do both feet at the same time or one foot at a time). Next, relax your feet and shake them from the ankle. Add some knee action when you’re ready.

Next shake your hands. Relax your fingers and shake from the wrist. Add some elbow action to fully shake the hands out. Note that you can stand for this, but if you are still sitting and physically able, shake your hands and feet.

Bring the hand shaking through to the shoulders and chest. Get a little shimmy going while still shaking those hands! Move the hands up and down to engage the shoulders too.

And finally, to get the whole body going, shake those hips! At this point, you will be standing and smiling. Shake the hips back and forth and use the feet and knees to help shake them, all the while keeping the upper body shaking too.

Don’t forget to smile.