Rock On
My grandma did it. My grandpa did it. I did it with my daughter. As a mother, I learned that rocking soothes a baby. But is rocking still beneficial as we get older?
Contemplating this question, I was surprised to discover that research supports the benefits of rocking for adults. Just as rocking soothes infants, it can have the same calming effect on grown-ups. Rocking releases endorphins—the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones—which elevate mood and promote relaxation. It moves the body into a restorative state, helping to relieve pain. In fact, President John F. Kennedy famously used a rocking chair to ease his chronic back pain.
For seniors, especially those with dementia, studies have shown that rocking can reduce anxiety and depression. Rocking gently stimulates the body’s balance system, which may help lower the risk of falls. It’s also a simple yet effective way to exercise the ankles. While rocking isn’t a substitute for strength training, it can assist in strengthening weak muscles and is even beneficial for individuals recovering from knee replacement surgery. The rhythmic motion stimulates circulation, which can speed healing and improve overall well-being.
Rocking calms the spirit, soothes a stressed body, and focuses the mind. Just 15 to 30 minutes of rocking can serve as a form of meditation or self-hypnosis. The motion actually alters brain waves, producing a deep sense of calm.
After a long day of work, my grandparents would retreat to their front porch, settle into their rocking chairs, and enjoy a glass of iced tea. I’m sure they solved many of life’s problems in those rocking chairs. The porch wasn’t just a place to relax—it was a community gathering spot. Neighbors would drop by, take a seat, rock gently, and share conversations about world affairs, local news, and the meaning of life.
With all the distractions we face today, we rarely take time to slow down and simply rock. But maybe it’s time to bring back that tradition. I still have my grandma and grandpa’s rocking chair. I think I’ll bring it out again. It’s time to slow down, sit down, and rock on.