Published: 14 June 2024

I was recently featured in a British Vogue article by Hannah Coates, published on 14 June 2024, which explored simple, expert-approved ways to de-stress after a long day. One of the tools I shared was something both natural and surprisingly effective: shaking.

It might sound unusual, but shaking is rooted in both neuroscience and nature. In the animal kingdom, after facing a threat, many animals instinctively shake or tremble to release the adrenaline and cortisol flooding their systems. This response helps reset their nervous systems and return to a state of safety.

Humans have this same biological capacity — but in modern life, we’ve largely suppressed it.

As I mentioned in the article:

“Just like animals in the wild will shake (or tremor), which releases all the energy from the increased cortisol and adrenaline coursing through them, it’s a similar thing for humans.”

In today’s world, many of us experience stress while staying physically still — during meetings, in traffic, or sitting behind screens. Without a way to discharge that energy, it can build up and manifest as anxiety, fatigue, tension, or even burnout.

This is why I often recommend micro-practices like shaking or breathwork to my clients. These somatic tools signal to the nervous system that the threat has passed, allowing the body to reset, recover, and return to balance.

If you’re curious to learn more, the full article includes additional movement-based tools from various experts — all simple, accessible, and rooted in science.

Read the full piece on British Vogue:

Shake It Out: The Easy, Expert-Approved Way To Unwind After A Stressful Day