Self-regulation by rocking

[Bigglesworth]

I rock often. But I am also on the autism spectrum so it makes sense.

 

[Herbert Hickey M.Ed]

Recent studies suggest that we are actually hard wired to rock to soothe...Babies know this. I was actually looking for the research on this and I'm glad it misdirected me here. Rocking helps the brain regulate and therefore has a calming affect. How a person rocks depends on ones need to soothe. I work with children who have suffered trauma and we do row your boat with children who are triggered and hyper-aroused. sometimes even swaying in front of a child in this state can help them calm. The fact is, most people rock in some way or form. It might be so subtle that the individual or an observer does not realize it and it could be very subconscious. Think about the young child, adolescent, or even a colleague who pushes their chair back so far that the front legs loose contact with the ground. Some schools have put rocking chairs in classrooms or outside the guidance office. Unfortunately, society likes rigidity and control. Soo... I think it would be great that if you rock to soothe, get a rocking chair and replace whatever you are sitting on. if anyone asks, say "its good for the brain, didn't you know that?" and carry on. If you entertain clients, you might want to get one for them too!

 

[whiteraven]

I have noticed that in the last year or so, I also rock. Try not to do it in public, though.

 

[MrMoonlight]

It's not a habit of mine but the other night I caught myself doing it while sitting cross-legged on my bed. I can see how it could be calming...a slow rhythmic, movement back and forth.

I wonder if rocking taps into the parasympathetic?

 

[ladee]

I have always been a 'rocker'. It is so self-soothing. I had stopped doing it for a very long while because I was not in a constant state of instability. But have noticed me doing it a lot the past few months.

It is very comforting to me.

 

[Changing4Best]

I catch myself doing it in front of others and then stop. It is that much of a habit of mine. I do find it to be very comforting.