Trauma-Informed Morning Practice — Cyclic Sighing & Somatic Movement to Release Stored Emotional Stress

Feeling calm? Have a question? Send me a text:)This 17-minute morning practice is the only one in this catalog designed for the start of the day — and specifically for those mornings when you're carrying something. Emotional weight, residual stress, the heaviness that sometimes arrives overnight. This is a trauma-informed practice, which means nothing is forced, every instruction is an invitation, and you are always the authority on what your body needs.We begin with cyclic sighing — a double inhale through the nose followed by a long slow exhale through pursed lips. Research out of Stanford has identified cyclic sighing as one of the fastest ways to shift the nervous system out of stress activation, more effective per minute than most other breathwork techniques. We use it at the opening and return to it at the close.From there we move through cat-cow, sphinx pose, prone hip shaking to release stored tension, half frog on both sides, supine spinal twists, leg movements for hip release, and knee circles — finishing in constructive rest with a return to cyclic sighing.What you'll experience: Cyclic sighing breathwork → safety orienting → cat-cow → sphinx → prone shaking and half frog → supine spinal twists → hip and leg release → knee circles → constructive rest → cyclic sighing returnEmotions and stress are stored in the body — particularly in the hips and lower back. This practice uses gentle, intentional movement to create the conditions for that stored tension to release. You don't have to know what you're carrying. Your body does.Grab a pen and paper before you begin — if your mind is active, jotting thoughts as they arise helps you stay present with the body rather than looping on the thoughts.Comfortable clothing, comfortable position. Bed or mat — your choice.About Kassandra:Kassandra is a trauma-informed yoga teacher, breathwork guide, and Harvard-certified lifestyle & wellness coach who blends nervous system education with accessible mind–body practices to help people sleep better, ease anxiety, and feel grounded.Links:Rewire Your Nervous System in 7 Days (Free Guide)The 14-Day Nervous System Reset YouTubePinterestInstagramThe Calm LabSubstackMy Apple Music PlaylistLinkedInIf The Calm Lab is helping your nervous system, the best way to support is to:★ Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ★ Share an episode with someone who needs it ★ Subscribe so you don't miss the next oneThank you for being here. — Kassandra 🌿The Calm Lab by Namasté Your Life, LLC recommends that you consult your physician regarding the appl...