27 Comments
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Zara Bogaski's avatar

I love that you structured all these somatic practices on this list. I've known most of them, but the way you lay them out is wonderful and easy to remember or have a list to refer to according to situation or time of day.

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Thank you so much Zara! I’m really glad the structure made it feel more accessible and useful. Sometimes just having a gentle reminder or a list to come back to can make all the difference. So happy it resonated with you❤️

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Julia Adastra's avatar

Thank you for this practical guide. It's weird but reassuring that I've been doing some of these things instinctively without knowing the true benefits - I have been singing recently in the evenings as I find it calms me, and same with the butterfly hug you mention. Thank you so much for this!

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

I love this Julia! Isn't it amazing how our bodies often know what we need before our minds catch up? I’m really glad this gave you language to what you’ve already been doing intuitively ❤️

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Megan Stacey's avatar

Thank you for this! I think what hit home the most was your statement about trying to thrive in a system not built for us… it’s how I’ve felt for years only I couldn’t put it into words. Things just felt “off” and I’d berate myself thinking that I just needed to try harder.

Your suggestions are wonderful and a good reminder for me to not just think about what’s going on in my head, but to build more awareness in my body. Thank you, Rachel. 🙏

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this Megan it truly means a lot ❤️ I completely understand that feeling of something being “off” but not having the words for it. You’re definitely not alone. I’m so glad the post resonated and that it offers a new way to connect with both your mind and your body wisdom 🙏🏼

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Swabreen Bakr's avatar

Meditation and a nightly 10-15 min yoga practice has been key for me! Bonus I sleep a lot better and deeper as well.

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Ooh yes, that sounds like such a beautiful ritual Swabreen! I love how something so simple and intentional can have such a big impact. Thanks for sharing what’s been working for you ❤️

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Michaela Aue's avatar

Box breathing is my absolute favorite, it calms me immediately but also think of it as this secret tool i can use that no one will notice i am doing it, especially in the office.

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

I love that Michaela, it really is like a secret superpower! I totally agree - being able to use it discreetly, especially in overstimulating environments like an office, makes it such a valuable tool. So glad it’s been supportive for you! ❤️

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Devan Kessel Folts's avatar

Thank you for bringing all these incredibly helpful practices together in one place. What a fantastic resource!

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Thank you so much Devan, I’m really glad you found it helpful! It makes me so happy to know this can be a supportive resource whenever you need it ❤️

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Amber's avatar

Thank you so much for this ❤️ I’ve saved the lists for when I need them

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Oh that makes me so happy Amber! I’m so glad the lists will be there for you when you need them ❤️

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Jess | Wellness with Depth's avatar

This is so helpful. thank you for sharing! https://vibrationalbloom.substack.com/

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

I'm so happy to hear that Jess, thank you for reading! Wishing you lots of ease and support as you put it into practice ❤️

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Jess | Wellness with Depth's avatar

Same to you!!

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Mary Paliath's avatar

This was so practical and helpful - thank you Rachel!🌻

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

This makes me so happy! Thank you Mary you for reading and for your kind words, it truly means a lot ❤️

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Dr Anita, CBT/ADHD therapist's avatar

Great article Julia- practical, succinct and grounded in theory. I teach most of these to my ADHD clients for emotional regulation too.

Interested in your thoughts about the difference/overlap between HSP and ADHD? Do you think HSP is becoming a neurodivergence-adjacent concept, without the baggage? I’m a therapist mainly working with adult ADHD and I was late diagnosed myself (mid 50s).

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Thank you so much Anita I really appreciate your kind words, and I love that you’re teaching these tools to your ADHD clients too ❤️ Such important work! I absolutely agree, there’s a growing overlap between the HSP experience and the broader neurodivergence conversation. I often see HSPs carrying many of the same sensory, emotional, and processing sensitivities. I’d love to explore this more, it’s such an important and evolving conversation 🌿

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Ela Bochenek 🎨's avatar

Shaking your body is so underrated. I have recently started to do more of it-feels strange to begin with but great results.

Other things for me are meditation and yoga(especially before sleep) and sleep!

My favourite breathing techniques are the alternate nostril breathing and the Huberman one with the double inhale - this one is amazing when I feel panic creeping in and need quick solutions.

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

Yes to all of this Ela! Your evening yoga, meditation, and breath work sound like such a supportive toolkit. Thank you for sharing what’s been working for you  ❤️

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RG she/her's avatar

This is one of the best things I’ve ever read about HSPs. Brilliant resources. I have really got into yin yoga lately and it’s so calming. Also falling asleep by listening to a guided yoga nidra has been extremely helpful. Thank you 🤩 Rachel!!

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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

That means so much, thank you! 🙏🏼 I'm also a fan of yin yoga and yoga nidra, both are wonderful grounding tools for HSPs. I’m so glad you’ve found practices that bring you calm and rest. It’s truly an honour to know the piece resonated with you 🤍

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Apr 23
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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

That makes me so happy to hear! ❤️ Wishing you so much ease and support as you put it into practice ✨

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Apr 22
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Rachel Gadiel's avatar

I’m so glad to hear that Yaz, thank you! Wishing you so much ease and support as you put it into practice ❤️

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