First, I have to say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! Dr. Griffin is so thorough in her teaching and breakdown of the multi-faceted nature of somatic practice that it feels like a personal coaching experience. As a peer-to-peer trauma recovery mentor/content creator, somatic exercise popped up on my awareness radar just within the last couple years and it is without a doubt, in my opinion, the linchpin missing piece to healing in multiple ways.I am also a highly gifted 2e Audhd individual with cPTSD whose life has been steeped in trauma, with sensory and regulation challenges (flashbacks) as a result, and somatic work has, without a doubt, been the missing key to my healing process and reclaiming unity of mind and body.Somatic work makes it possible for the body to catch up to what the mind already knows. Those reactions we have when it comes to triggers? Somatic work is the magic wand, although you have to work for it...lol. With that said, the work is very pleasant.This book just brought the ultimate foundation and structure to what I was practicing without form. I love the video extras, journaling prompts, the way she explains in detail, without missing a beat, the mechanics of the body's nervous system and how we get stuck in these states and how to get out of them and why her suggestions work (I have to know my why's and how's).She delivers a comprehensive manual built on holistic mindfulness with a person-centered approach that touches on everything I need...pictures of exercises, detailed explanations...recovery from sleep ailments...all with impressive detail and in layman's terms, and compassion, to boot. When I say she covers all the bases, it's no joke.BUY the book! You won't regret it.Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have given structure to my somatic healing journey that I probably would not have had the patience to put together for myself... and you even inspired me to get my Reiki room in order, again, to practice it. Don't have all my props in there, yet, but game on!
Somatic Exercise Made Simple written by Danielle Griffin is an amazing book to read. I learned so much about how grief, stress, and trauma can affect the body. It can residence in your body, and cause trouble with muscle tightness and tension, irregular breathing, unhealthy eating habits, and much more. I specifically love this book because the author provides great examples on how to learn to stretch, exercise, indulge in progressive muscle relaxation, practice deep breathing exercises. In addition, I love the emphasis on journaling and practicing gratitude. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to otgers because this book is filled with helpful information to not only focus on what's happening in the body now, but also looking forward into the future showing up free in mind, and body to have longevity free from bodily pain, and stress.
A very detailed breakdown of somatic exercises and techniques. I never even realized I had learned some of these before from discussing sleep health with others. If you need good sleep practices and stress relievers this is the tool for you.
This is a keeper. Not only have I learned by reading this guide about how Somatic exercise can benefit all of us, but I am encouraged by solutions presented. I haven't made it through all 30 days, but I will keep going. I can feel the difference in my daily outlook and mindset going forward. There is a lot of valuable information packed into this guide. Definitely worth your time and I believe it will make a difference for you.
Calm compassionate guide for anyone carrying grief stress or emotional overload. 30 day structure makes the somatic exercises doable and the focus on the vague nerve is grounding. Love the blend of science and real-life stories and practical tools.
Somatic Exercise Made Simple is not truly a simple or introductory read. While the content is well organized into chapters and clearly explained, the writing is very clinical in tone. This book is best suited for readers who are already familiar with clinical or therapeutic approaches to chronic pain, stress relief, trauma recovery, or holistic wellness.If you have experience in therapy, bodywork, or clinical environments—or if you enjoy detailed, science-based explanations—this book will likely be a good fit for you. However, for the average layperson who is just beginning to explore somatic exercises, this may feel overwhelming and overly technical.A notable strength of the book is the inclusion of guided meditations and companion videos, which add value and practical support. The author’s background as an educator, coach, certified yoga instructor, and hypnotherapy practitioner is evident and lends credibility to the material.Overall, this is a strong resource from a clinical perspective, but beginners may want to seek a more accessible introduction to somatic practices first.Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
I actually really enjoyed the detail in this book. It felt trustworthy and science-backed, and had a very clear path to understanding. I wish I had more time to really absorb the information because it seems really promising!
Somatic exercises are slow, mindful, and intentional movements. (Similar to yoga or Tai Chi, in this regard.) They’re designed to increase internal bodily awareness and reduce muscle tension. They can also help to regulate the nervous system. This guide is tailored for someone with a busy lifestyle. (Maybe you only Have a few minutes here and there.) It also offers clear instructions (with pictures) and video tutorials.
What a relief to find this book!!! Thank you for putting all the information and a step by step guide that is easy to follow.
Helpful exercises, including breathing techniques to help with stress relief and anxiety.
An easy to use and comprehensive guide to somatic healing. The 30 day format made it easy to use over time. The photos were additionally useful. The journal prompts for each section helped to keep me focused. The sleep section was helpful and informative. I highly recommend this somatic healing guide.
This is a fantastic guide to Somatic exercise. As one who practices this technique, I highly recommend this book. Take back control of your life.
I find these books very enlightening. They have help exercises that help you refocus your mind and body. To help heal your mind and soul.
I have been struggling with my work life balance. I was stressed out 24/7. I wasn’t the best mom I could be for my kids. This books provided me the tools to relieve that work stress through movement. The pictures and supplemental videos caught my kids attention so now we all participate in the movements when I am home from work and they are home from school. We are closer as a family.
I found this book to be really wonderful. It was easy to read as it was well-written and clear and concise. The exercises to reset your Vagus nerve are great and easy to implement in your every day life and even includes photos to help guide you on doing them The author also includes ways to handle chronic pain with helpful exercises that can help you relieve pain in different areas of your body. I also love how the author adds a discussion of emotional resilience and using reflection questions throughout the chapters to get you thinking about how you are holding tension in your body and mind.
Well laid out with description of what somatic exercise is and how it relates to the skeletal and muscular system of the human body.Explains how stress, sadness, depression and other emotions can effect our health and how breathing and movement in Intentional (somatic) ways can help to ease pain and heal ourselves.Gentle exercises for all ages and areas of life. Wonderful book, well thought out and carefully edited.
I enjoyed this short book’s explanation of grounding techniques as well as the generalization of what somatic theory is. It offers options for different situations (work, night, etc). It’s great that it reminds you to go slow. The journaling prompts are helpful. I also liked the 30 day plan outlined. The book has good information about sleep and techniques to aid with hitting needed sleep stages. Aromatherapy and sound therapy were discussed, which I find unique to books about somatic theory or exercise.
I really liked this book! It brings together the healing properties of somatic exercises with creating sustainable habits. It brings in the importance of sleep and how these exercises can help improve sleep, therefore healing. I really like the authors voice in and how they describe moves and it comes with pictures which are super helpful for me. I need visuals to understand what people mean and this had so many, I feel confident I could do them easily! I’ll definitely be recommending this book!
When you think exercise, you tend to envision a gym and a high-intensity workout. Dr. Griffin has changed my perspective, showing me that slow, methodical movements can be as beneficial as those workouts that take place in a gym. One aspect of this book that ! appreciated the most was her QR codes included and the pictures that gave a visual to what the exercises needed to look like. Creating this space that helps to regulate your nervous system, reduces stress and offers relaxation can have a host of benefits. From overcoming stress and anxiety to enhancing your sleep patterns, somatic exercises can be beneficial to so many people. Get your body moving in the simplest, routine ways, while establishing mindfulness and see the improvements that come.
Somatic Exercise Made Simple – Vagus Nerve Activation~Danielle GriffinSomatic Exercise Made Simple - Vagus Nerve Activation by Danielle Griffin feels like hitting a reset button you didn’t know your body had. It’s not another wellness trend wrapped in buzzwords - it’s a calm, steady voice saying, “Let’s get your nervous system back on your side.”Griffin doesn’t preach from the mountaintop; she walks with you, step by step, through a 30-day journey that feels more like learning to breathe again than following a fitness program. Her approach transforms something invisible - the tension, the burnout, the emotional static we all carry - into something tangible you can actually work with. You don’t need a yoga mat cathedral or hours of free time. Just you, a little space, and a willingness to feel what you’ve been ignoring.Each chapter feels like unclenching your jaw after years of holding it tight. The vagus nerve - your body’s built-in reset switch - finally gets the attention it deserves, and Griffin shows how simple movements and breathwork can turn it on like flipping a breaker back after a power surge. She keeps it real with actionable tools: seven stress-relief techniques that work even on your busiest days, journaling prompts that dig deeper than surface reflection, and short routines that make sleep come easier.What hits hardest isn’t just the exercises - it’s how she ties emotion, movement, and faith in your body together like threads in a net. By the end, you don’t just feel calmer; you feel more connected - to yourself, your breath, your peace.This isn’t “one more thing to add to your routine.” It’s the missing piece that makes the rest of your routine finally work. Simple, grounded, and quietly powerful - this book teaches you how to turn survival into balance, and movement into medicine.As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.