A Sensory Shower for Calm, Focus & Balance

Happy Tranquility Thursday, Overwhelmed Yogis.

Did you know? Sensory input can help settle the nervous system and potentially improve focus, body awareness, balance and mobility.

A sensory shower (shown in this video) is an awesome exercise I learned in my neuro yoga training last fall. It simply involves rubbing or patting your skin from head to toe — and it’s fine to do over clothes! You can even pull skin gently.

I love to do this as a warmup before a yoga practice or a workout, or as a quick break to recalibrate anytime during the day.

Here’s a fun little experiment. Pick a yoga pose where you want to improve. Some good options include standing on one leg (any standing balancing pose), a forward fold or a gentle standing backbend. Give it a try. Then do a sensory shower and try again. Was there any difference in your balance or mobility?

If you really want to get geeky with me, you can do this test/retest multiple times with different types of sensory input. Does rubbing have a different effect than patting or skin pulling? I’d love for you to try and let me know.

Each Monday I post a movement break to support your body, each Thursday an exercise or tip for your nervous system. I always welcome your feedback and content suggestions. 💕