Tension can build without warning — through clenched jaws, stiff shoulders, or restlessness. While easy to overlook, physical tension is frequently the body’s way of holding onto stress and unprocessed emotions. Research supports the use of physical movement as a way to release this built-up tension.
The Release Physical Tension handout introduces young people to simple, body-based coping skills to ease tightness and discomfort. It includes easy-to-follow techniques like stretching, shaking it out, squeezing and releasing muscle groups, and slowing down the breath. There’s also a tip section that explains when to use these methods, especially for those new to body awareness of stress management.
With this handout, kids and teens can prevent stress from escalating. Once done reading, they can start creating their own calm routine, whether in silence, with music, or paired with soothing scents.
Caring adults can guide them through the techniques or join in until these stress-releasing moves become second nature.
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References:
- Oh, J., & Shin, C. S. (2021). A pilot study on the anxiety reduction effect of tension, stress, and trauma releasing exercises (TRE). Asia-pacific Journal of Convergent Research Interchange, 7(11), 379-388. https://doi.org/10.47116/apjcri.2021.11.31
- Schoeman, M. (2023). Preliminary report: Exploring the impact of tension, stress, and trauma release exercises (TRE) on complex trauma in at-risk boys. University of South Africa. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.33115.95522
- Teuber, M., Leyhr, D., & Sudeck, G. (2024). Physical activity improves stress load, recovery, and academic performance-related parameters among university students: A longitudinal study on daily level. BMC Public Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18082-z
