When people talk about stress, they usually mean a state of mind — racing thoughts, tight deadlines, restless sleep. But our bodies carry those emotions too, often in ways we don’t immediately notice. Tension gathers in the jaw, shoulders, and especially the hips — a part of the body that, in both psychology and movement science, has been called the “emotional junk drawer.” That’s why simple, mindful practices like Pilates hip stretches are gaining recognition not just for improving flexibility, but for helping release stored stress and restore emotional balance.

At first glance, stretching your hips might not seem related to your mental health — but neuroscience and somatic therapy suggest otherwise. The connection between movement and mood runs deep, and it starts with awareness.

How the Body Stores Emotion

Emotions are not abstract; they’re physiological experiences. When we feel fear or anxiety, the brain sends signals that change muscle tension, breathing, and posture. Over time, repeated stress responses cause certain muscle groups — particularly in the hips and lower back — to hold residual tension long after the stressful …