The Body Remembers: How Emotions are Stored and Released Through Movement

Have you ever felt a lump in your throat when recalling a difficult memory? Or noticed tension in your shoulders when stressed?

Our emotions don’t just exist in our minds, they’re deeply embedded in our bodies. Emotions influence the way we move, breathe, and even feel physical pain.

How Emotions Are Stored in the Body

Our bodies have an incredible ability to absorb and hold onto emotions. Sometimes we do this unconsciously. When we experience stress, sadness, or joy, these feelings don’t simply disappear, they leave imprints in our muscles, posture, and nervous system.

Unprocessed emotions can become stored in the body, often appearing as tension, stress, or a vague sense of discomfort. Sometimes in ways we don’t even recognize ourselves as being linked to our feelings. If emotions are not processed or not expressed they can manifest fatigue or restlessness, acting as signals that something deeper needs attention.

Can Movement Help Release Stored Emotions?

Absolutely! Moving the body, especially through intentional and expressive movement can unlock emotions trapped within.

Here are some types of movement that can help facilitate emotional release:

• Dancing: Engaging in freeform movement allows emotional energy to flow and promotes self-expression.
  

• Yoga: Stretching and breathwork help to release physical tension and calm the nervous system.
  

• Walking: Gentle movement paired with rhythmic breathing encourages mental clarity and emotional processing.
  

• Stretching: Loosening tight muscles, particularly in areas where stress is stored (hips, shoulders, jaw), can create a sense of relief.
  

• Mindfulness-Based Movement: Practices that incorporate slow, intentional movement—such as breath-focused exercises—help clear emotional blockages.

  
  

Whether it’s a simple stretch or fluid motion, movement offers an opportunity to reconnect with emotions and release what no longer serves us.

So next time you feel stuck in an emotional loop, try moving your body. You might just find freedom in the flow.