Our bodies are supposed to be the temple for our mind and spirit on this earth. Unfortunately many of us are carrying a lot of pain and anxiety in our body. Much of it is from old pain and deep trauma, but some is just from living life everyday. Our poor bodies take on so much. Not just from physical activity or inactivity but from mental exhaustion and tension.
Here are 5 small things you can do to reduce tension and anxiety in your body right now, no matter where you or how much you have to get done.
Smile: Smiling will automatically help bring a little joy and happiness into your life. The act of smiling, a nice big smile, will activate different muscles in your face then you use when you’re just moving through your day. The flexing and releasing of these muscles will help reduce over all tension in your facial muscles and jaw line. Try smiling a few times every time you pass through a door way or reach for your coffee. On the plus side you should get some real laughs when one of your coworkers sees you smiling at your coffee mug!
Take a deep breath: Deep breathing increases oxygen in the body and stretches your chest muscles. Most people know the joy of a good deep breath or the release you feel with a good sigh. Next time try this. Breathe in but try to feel the air go through your nasal passages and feel it into your sinus cavity. Feel the roof of your mouth stretch back and up. It’s a very similar feeling to when you yawn without opening your mouth. No need to stretch your face all funny though. This also helps link you back to your breath and your physical body.
**Unclench your jaw: ** You may not have realized you were clenching it. Maybe you still think your not. Take a second and purposely make sure your top and bottom teeth are not touching. Not only will reduce tension headaches and make your jaw muscles thank you but so will your dentist.
Over extend your hands and feet: Take a moment and stretch your hands and feet. Matter of fact; over extend them just a little. No more than you can just using the muscles of your feet and hands. We put our feet and hands through a little stretch is a good way to give them some relief.
Look as something mundane: Yes, I’m asking you to look at something you look at all the time. Pick an object. Could be your desk, your mouse, or even your own hand. Now actually focus on it. Notice its shape and color. Look at any dents, scratches, and lines. Taking just a few moments to really pay attention to something that we have just come to expect to be there brings us back to our present moment. Which means we aren’t currently thinking about our next meeting, our last meeting, or the argument we are having in our head with a family member. This is a way to stay present in your actual life.
These 5 things wont keep you from the work that needs to be done to really heal old wounds and deep trauma, but they will help you get through your day until you can get to the hard work or a safe place. They help release and relax and stay present.
If you like what you see be sure to check out my site at www.riseauthenticwild.com
photo from unsplash by Jairo Alzate