Will a Shimmy a Day Keep Sadness Away?

Life can feel heavy sometimes. Whether it's stress, emotional fog, or that sneaky “blah” feeling that follows you around like a raincloud, finding ways to lighten the load is important.

Enter: the shimmy.

Yep—a quick, silly shoulder shake might just be what the doctor (or therapist) ordered. And lately, people on TikTok seem to agree. A new viral trend called “A Shimmy a Day Keeps Sadness Away” has been making the rounds—where users film short daily shimmy breaks to shift their energy, boost their mood, and remind themselves (and others) that small, joyful moments matter.

 

Why the Shimmy?

It might look like just a fun dance move, but the shimmy is doing more than you think. Here's why it works:

1. It Boosts Mood Naturally

Movement—any movement—triggers the release of endorphins, your brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also lowers cortisol, the hormone tied to stress. You don’t need a workout to feel better. A 10-second shimmy can start the shift.

2. It Breaks the Cycle

Feeling stuck in your thoughts? Overthinking? A shimmy jolts you out of that mental loop. It’s like a mini pattern interrupt for your nervous system—and often just enough to help you breathe and reset.

3. It Invites Play

Let’s not underestimate the power of play - . The shimmy is silly. It’s lighthearted. And in that silliness, you create space for your nervous system to calm down. Play helps us feel safe, present, and a little less burdened—even if just for a moment.

 

How to Shimmy in Both Your Personal and Professional Life

The beauty of the shimmy is that it doesn’t need a yoga mat, a change of clothes, or a schedule block. You can sneak it into almost any environment—yes, even your 9-to-5.

In Your Personal Life:

• Shimmy while brushing your teeth, waiting for your toast, or during that 3pm slump when your brain’s begging for a nap.

• Make it a family ritual. Kids love it, and it teaches them early on how to self-regulate with movement and fun.

• Pair it with music or affirmations in the morning—it’s a playful way to start the day grounded and energized.

In Your Work Life:

• Turn the shimmy into a mini reset between Zoom meetings or when your inbox becomes overwhelming.

• Do a stealth shimmy during your bathroom break (we won’t tell).

• If you're a leader, try adding a lighthearted shake-out to the beginning of your team meetings. It might feel awkward at first, but it can break the ice, reduce tension, and build a culture of wellness.

Pro tip: Label it as a "micro-moment of movement" if you need to sell it to your boss.

 

What’s Up With the TikTok Trend?

The current TikTok trend is a great example of how people are leaning into small, consistent acts of self-care. The #shimmyaday and #moodreset tags are filled with short videos of people shaking it out in kitchens, offices, sidewalks—you name it.

The point? You don’t need a wellness retreat or a therapy breakthrough to take a tiny step toward feeling better. You can start with a shimmy.

 

Can a Shimmy Replace Therapy?

Of course not. If you're experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or burnout, therapy is a supportive space to help unpack what’s really going on. But a daily shimmy? That can absolutely be part of your toolkit—one of those micro-habits that reminds you to reconnect with your body, your breath, and your sense of humor.

 

Want to Try It?

Here’s how to make shimmying part of your day:

• Set a cue: Shimmy when your coffee brews, your meeting ends, or your brain starts spinning.

• Use music: Create a “30-second dance break” playlist.

• Share the fun: Shimmy with your kids, your partner, or just in front of your bathroom mirror.

• Make it yours: Call it your “reset wiggle,” “mental floss,” or “nervous system refresh.” If it makes you laugh, even better.

 

Bottom Line

Will a Shimmy A Day Replace the need for a therapist - nope.  It’s a great reminder that movement, joy, and play matter - yes that applies to you Adults too!  Whether you're managing stress at home or powering through back-to-back meetings at work, it’s a simple way to say: “I’ve got this. I can find lightness, even here.”

So go ahead. Shake it out. Your nervous system will thank you—and your mood just might too.