How to release stress from the body?
The old saying that our issues are in our tissues is true. We hold toxins, stresses and experiences in the tissue of the spine and body. When overwhelm happens, we hold tightly. When we feel pain, we grip our body. When their are relationship stresses, we lock ourselves up in defence. When kids are screaming, we feel our shoulders by our ears. So, with this in mind, what are effective ways at releasing these built up tensions?
Breathing and movement practices are some of the best ways at taking care of the physical body. Besides a very select few, most of us can improve on the efficiency of how we breath and move and how we release stress from the body.
We’ve got one body that is our personal house for life. We must remember that each year that goes by is another year that we won’t get back. We require a constant reconnection to the value of spending time and energy with our body and remember how vital it is to have it working so amazingly well. When there are issues in the body from built up stress and tension, it can be a major distraction from life, family, and work.
Here are 5 some things I do to take care of my body.
1) Network Chiropractic care. This particular from of care works with the rhythm of my spine, my breath, and gives me great body and spine awareness.
2) Kundalini yoga. This has been a regular practice of mine for the last 7 years. It’s referred to as the yoga of awareness, and works with the nervous system, organs of the body and energy centres. There is also a tremendous focus on breath, movement and rest.
3) Body weight practices. They allow me to move through my full range of motion in all of my joints from squats, pushups, pullups, hand stand pushups and general movement
4) 5 Tibetan Rites. An ancient practice using subtle energy, movement and breath. It’s rejuvenating, relaxing, and allows me to explore the flow in my body.
5) Heart Math Technology. I use heart math and its tools to further cultivate emotional resilience using biofeedback. Sometimes i like a visual to see how my nervous system is self regulating, so its a great piece of technology to assess my inner emotional flexibility using breath and movement of my chest or belly.
I do my best to incorporate a lot of movement practices, as I mix and match and observe my body to see what it’s calling for. I make various adaptations throughout the week, depending on my energy levels, any injuries or challenges I may be facing. I generally start the week with a list of my practices, and depending on the day, alternate or move around what seems to be most effortless and inspiring for the day.
Best foot forward,
Dr. Steve
P.S. If you haven’t picked up our Resilience Guide, click here
