5 SIGNS YOUR BODY IS RELEASING TRAUMA

Learn how to recognize and speed up your body's natural process of releasing trauma.

Andrew Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
4 MINUTE READ
FEB 4, 2025

Trauma can leave lasting imprints on our nervous system, affecting both mental and physical health. Understanding and recognizing when your body is releasing trauma is crucial for healing. As Co-CEO of NEUROFIT, I’ve seen firsthand the power of nervous system regulation in navigating this process. Here, I’ll share 5 signs that your body is releasing trauma and how you can support this process for better well-being.

What Happens When Your Body Releases Trauma?

When trauma is processed, it’s not just a mental event but a full-body experience. The nervous system, which might have been in a state of chronic stress, begins to reset and find balance. This release can manifest in various physical and emotional ways.

Sign 1: Emotional Volatility and Mood Swings

One of the clearest signs your body is processing trauma is emotional volatility. You might experience sudden bursts of anger, sadness, or even joy. This happens because stored emotions are making their way out of your body.

Sudden crying spells without a clear trigger.

Unexplained anger or irritability.

Fluctuating moods throughout the day.

A balanced nervous system is better prepared to handle stress and challenges.

These emotional shifts are part of the process. Using in somatic exercises for anxiety can help manage these emotions and guide them out of the body faster.

For example, Sacred Rage is a NEUROFIT community favorite for processing anger:

Sacred Rage - An exercise designed to release excess anger from the body.

Sign 2: Physical Sensations and Discomfort

As your body processes trauma, it can lead to various physical sensations. These might seem uncomfortable but are actually signs of healing.

Muscle twitches or spasms.

Tingling sensations in different parts of the body.

Aches and pains with no apparent cause.

These sensations reflect the nervous system’s attempt to recalibrate. Body-based exercises like Arm and Leg Squeezes can help facilitate the release of stored physical tension.

Arm and Leg Squeezes - A grounding technique used to increase physical awareness of the body.

Sign 3: Changes in Sleep Patterns

Sleep disturbances are common during trauma release. You might experience:

Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.

Vivid dreams or nightmares.

Waking up frequently during the night.

These changes in sleep are your body’s way of processing and integrating the trauma. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help improve sleep quality during this time.

Sign 4: Heightened Sensitivity

Your senses might become more acute as your nervous system releases trauma. This heightened sensitivity can manifest as:

Increased sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or your environment.

Feeling overwhelmed in crowded places.

Heightened emotional sensitivity to others' moods.

This sensitivity indicates that your nervous system is recalibrating. Using stillness practices like Eye Press Breathing can help ground and soothe your heightened senses.

Eye Press Breathing - A slower paced breathing technique to calm the nervous system.

Sign 5: Digestive Changes

Your gut, often also called the "second brain," plays a significant role in processing trauma. You might notice:

Changes in appetite.

Digestive issues like bloating or IBS.

Nausea or stomach discomfort.

These digestive changes are linked to the Enteric Nervous System’s response to trauma. Practicing belly ball rolling can help soothe your digestive system during trauma release.

Belly Ball Rolling - A massage that increases gut-brain awareness.

Supporting Your Body Through Trauma Release

Recognizing these signs is the first step. Here’s how you can support your body through this process:

Regular Check-Ins

Daily check-ins with your nervous system can strengthen your mind-body connection and help you track your progress. The NEUROFIT app encourages daily check-ins to reflect on your current state and identify how different life areas affect your nervous system.

The NEUROFIT App's check-in feature lets you strengthen your mind-body connection, measure growth, and get personalized coaching insights.

Somatic Exercises

Somatic exercises are body-based practices that can help shift your nervous system from a state of dysregulation to balance. These exercises work by engaging the body's natural ability to release tension and stress.

Body Tapping - Body tapping with balled fists to bring oneself back into the body.

Body Tapping, for example, is a great way to overcome a Dorsal Vagal shutdown response and ground back into your body.

The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity supports the nervous system by releasing endorphins and reducing cortisol levels. Aim for at least 10 minutes of exercise daily. Our NEUROFIT community data shows that members who prioritize exercise report 22% higher HRV and better emotional balance.

Stillness Practices

Incorporating daily stillness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system. Spend at least 10 minutes a day in stillness to improve your sleep quality and overall sense of well-being.

Social Play

Engaging in social activities can help balance your nervous system. Whether it's playing a sport, attending a social gathering, or even a simple chat with a friend, social play can significantly improve your mood and emotional stability.

Journaling

Journaling can be an effective way to access and release emotions from the body. You can also use the CLEAR AI Coach in the NEUROFIT App for guided mind-body coaching sessions:

The NEUROFIT App's AI Coach helps you resolve persistent stress with quick, secure and private text-based conversations.

Personal Insights and NEUROFIT's Approach

At NEUROFIT, we've seen firsthand the impact of a dysregulated nervous system. My wife Loren and I built NEUROFIT to provide effective tools for nervous system regulation. After a tragic family accident, my wife Loren experienced chronic stress, grief and burnout. Through our NEUROFIT app, she managed to balance her nervous system, significantly improving her well-being.

Our average active user reports a 54% reduction in stress after just one week. By combining simple exercises and personalized insights, NEUROFIT has helped thousands of our community members work through trauma and trapped emotions effectively.

Take Action

Healing trauma from your nervous system asks for consistent action. Start by adding the practices mentioned above into your daily routine. Regular use of the NEUROFIT app can guide you through this journey, making it easier to achieve a balanced and resilient nervous system.

The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the body release trauma?

The body releases trauma through various physical and emotional reactions, such as muscle twitches, heightened sensitivity, and emotional outbursts. These are all signs that the nervous system is recalibrating.

How can I support my body during trauma release?

Engaging in somatic exercises, maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing stillness and self-care can support your body during trauma release.

How long does it take to release trauma from the body?

The time it takes to release trauma varies for everyone. Consistent practice of the techniques mentioned can accelerate the process.

Can the NEUROFIT app help the body process trapped emotions?

Yes, the NEUROFIT app offers daily check-ins, personalized somatic exercises, and HRV measurements to help manage and reduce stress, making it easier to maintain a balanced nervous system and support the body's processing of trauma.

Understanding the signs of trauma release and taking actionable steps to support your body can lead to profound healing.

HBy using these practices and tools like NEUROFIT, you can navigate the path to recovery effectively and efficiently.

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About The Author
Andrew Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
Andrew is a co-founder of NEUROFIT, and a Caltech graduate with 10 years of tech + product experience at NASA, Snapchat, Headspace, Yale, and his own wellness products used by millions worldwide.
After facing two decades of chronic stress, burnout and C-PSTD, he launched NEUROFIT to provide an effective, data-driven, and accessible solution to these challenges.
Today, the NEUROFIT app is used by 2,000+ leading doctors, therapists, and health coaches, reaching 100,000+ users in 100+ countries.
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