Anxious - Get A Rocking Chair

When anxiety strikes, most of us look for ways to calm our racing thoughts. Meditation, deep breathing, and a cup of tea might come to mind—but have you ever considered the humble rocking chair?

It’s not just an old-fashioned piece of furniture. The gentle, rhythmic motion of rocking has been shown to soothe the nervous system, release tension, and help the brain shift into a more relaxed state. Think about it—babies are rocked to sleep for a reason. That same repetitive, predictable movement works for adults, too.

Why Repetitive Motion Calms the Mind

When you engage in a repetitive physical task—whether it’s rocking, knitting, doodling, or even folding laundry—your brain receives a steady stream of sensory input that’s both predictable and comforting. This creates a kind of 'mental white noise' that helps quiet intrusive thoughts and overactive worry loops.

The rhythm tells your nervous system, You’re safe. It engages the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' response, slowing your heart rate, easing muscle tension, and reducing the flood of stress hormones.

More Than Just Rocking

While rocking chairs are wonderful, they’re not the only option. Other repetitive activities can have a similar calming effect, such as:

• Knitting or crocheting

• Walking at a steady pace

• Washing dishes by hand

• Swinging on a porch swing

• Painting simple patterns

• Gardening tasks like raking or weeding

The key is the gentle, continuous motion or repeated action—something you don’t have to think too hard about, so your mind has space to breathe.

Bringing It Into Your Day

If you have space for a rocking chair, put it somewhere you can relax without distractions. Keep a cozy blanket nearby, make a cup of tea, and give yourself 10–15 minutes to simply rock. No screens. No to-do list. Just motion, breath, and stillness in your thoughts.

If a rocking chair isn’t possible, find another repetitive task you enjoy and weave it into your day. The goal isn’t to 'accomplish' something—it’s to let your brain and body remember what calm fe