Shaking Off Stress: A Trauma-Informed Practice for Resilient Leadership
By Teresa Ngigi
As an expert leading the “Being Trauma Informed” training, I explored how trauma—both individual and collective—impacts the brain, behavior, and well-being. We examined the Polyvagal theory, techniques for healing, and strategies for self-regulation and co-regulation. But the most profound lesson? True leadership resilience begins with understanding how to release stress and trauma from our bodies, so we can show up fully for ourselves and others.
This journey inspired a practice to help leaders regulate their nervous systems: The Shaking Release Exercise.
The Shaking Release: A Practice for Nervous System Regulation
1. Ground Yourself
Find a quiet space where you can stand or sit comfortably.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- Feel your feet on the ground or your body in the chair.
- Notice any tension or stress in your body without judgment.
From the Training: This draws on the Polyvagal theory and the importance of self-regulation as a foundation for trauma-informed practice.
Leadership Skill: Self-Awareness – Leaders who can recognize their own physiological state are better equipped to manage stress and model emotional regulation for their teams.
2. Shake to Release
Now, allow your body to shake gently.
- Start with small movements in your hands or legs.
- Let the shaking spread naturally through your body.
- Focus on areas where you hold tension, allowing the movement to release it.
From the Training: This aligns with techniques for healing trauma and the body’s natural ability to release stress through movement, as explored in the training.
Leadership Skill: Stress Management – Leaders who practice somatic release techniques can better handle pressure and maintain clarity in challenging situations.
3. Reflect and Integrate
After shaking, take a moment to notice the changes in your body.
- Observe any shifts in your energy, breath, or emotional state.
- Acknowledge how this practice can help you prevent empathy fatigue and burnout.
- Consider how you might use this tool before or after high-stress leadership moments.
From the Training: This reflects the training’s focus on prevention of empathy fatigue and burnout and the importance of co-regulation in maintaining well-being.
Leadership Skill: Resilience – Leaders who integrate somatic practices build capacity to bounce back from challenges and sustain their energy over time.
Why This Matters for Leaders
Trauma-informed leadership isn’t just about understanding trauma—it’s about embodying practices that help us regulate our nervous systems so we can lead with clarity and compassion. The training taught me that when leaders prioritize their own well-being, they create psychologically safer environments where teams can thrive.
Leaders who practice this approach:
- Reduce burnout (by releasing accumulated stress),
- Model healthy coping (by demonstrating self-care in action),
- Foster psychological safety (by showing up as regulated, present leaders).
The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try this: Pause. Shake. And let your body reset.
What would change in your leadership if you gave your body permission to release stress?