TLDR: In this year's Mental Health Awareness Month theme, "Take the Moment," Olo spotlights somatic awareness—a key to better stress management, emotional intelligence, and presence. Discover practical ways to integrate this mindfulness practice into daily life, as outlined in Olo's Pyramid of Wellness, to improve mental and physical health.
As we embrace this year's Mental Health Awareness Month theme, "Take the Moment," let's delve into the simple yet profound practice of somatic awareness. This exercise, a cornerstone of Olo's approach to wellness, invites us to reconnect with our physical sensations and emotions—a fundamental step in nurturing our mental health.
Somatic awareness is the practice of tuning into our body's sensations and the emotions they evoke. This practice involves observing ourselves without judgment, allowing a deep connection with our physical experiences as they occur, whether it's noting the rhythm of our breath or the tension in our muscles.
Somatic awareness is vital for several reasons:
Nervous System (Base) - "Am I safe?"
This question addresses our body's immediate physiological response to its environment. It's about feeling physically safe and secure, essential for our autonomic nervous system to function optimally, allowing us to relax and rejuvenate.
Emotions (Middle) - "Am I loved? Am I connected?"
These questions focus on our emotional state, encompassing our need for love, belonging, and connection. They reflect our interpersonal relationships and our feelings of emotional security.
Cognition (Top) - "Am I understood? Do I understand?"
At the cognitive level, these questions pertain to understanding and being understood by others, encompassing communication, self-expression, and personal growth.
Practicing somatic awareness involves continuously checking in with your body to understand your physical sensations and emotional responses. This practice can be applied in any setting, helping us to cultivate a deeper sense of bodily awareness and emotional regulation.
Here are a few examples of how you can integrate this practice into your daily life:
Routine Activities: Whether you're working at your desk, walking, or performing any routine activity, take a moment to pause and assess your body's state. Ask yourself:
• What sensations am I feeling right now?
• Where do I notice tension or ease in my body?
• Is there anything I can do to make myself more comfortable?
For example, while working at your desk, you might notice tension in your neck or back. Recognizing this, you could adjust your posture, stretch, or take a brief walk to alleviate discomfort.
During Interactions: Interpersonal interactions can evoke strong physical and emotional responses. When meeting someone, such as a family member or a friend, take a brief moment to reflect:
• How do I feel in this moment?
• How is my breathing—shallow or deep?
• What emotions are surfacing, and how are they affecting my physical state?
Acknowledging these sensations and emotions can help you manage your responses and engage more authentically.
In Public Spaces: Being in different environments, such as a supermarket or a park, can affect your mood and stress levels. While in these spaces, periodically assess your state by asking:
• What is my current emotional state?
• How are the sounds, sights, and smells affecting me?
• What physical sensations are present, and what might be causing them?
This practice can help you become more attuned to how external environments influence your internal state, allowing you to adjust as needed to maintain calm and balance.
Checking in with ourselves through somatic awareness is more than a practice—it's a gateway to deeper self-understanding and sustained mental wellness. It enhances our ability to notice and respond to the needs of our body and mind.
In our fast-paced world, these moments of introspection are not just beneficial; they are crucial for our wellbeing and emotional resilience.
Download the Olo app and start practicing somatic awareness today.
