Too often out of sheer habit we tighten up, tense up, and then approach life from that stance.When we have something to do, our automatic response may be to tense up – shoulders and neck strained, back bent, while breathing quick and shallow. Most things that need to be done can be done better if we encourage a sense of relaxation. Learn to relax. Train your body, each part of it, to let go intentionally and encourage ease. Allow yourself to come into your natural postural alignment. Slowly but surely, if intentionally encouraged, this relaxed state will become your new normal.
Find activities that help you do this; deliberate deep breaths, walking, meditating, gardening, reading, massage, a warm bath, etc. Teach yourself to become aware of how your body feels during these activities. Take note of what specific behaviors, thoughts, etc. lead to that relaxed state. Once we become intimately aware with how we can best encourage relaxation within ourselves, we can then begin to become much more intentional with encouraging that when needed.
Identify times throughout the day where you can engage in a quick body scan, taking note of
any tension that you may be holding, any unnecessary stress that exists. Perhaps schedule this into your day, specifically during times that you anticipate high levels of tension or stress. Be proactive. If you find yourself carrying tension or unproductive levels of stress, take a few
moments to purposefully release it. Breathe in, taking note of that tension, then breathe out,
releasing that tension. Repeat until you have effectively encouraged a sense of calm, stillness, and a more optimal state for productivity. The techniques of relaxation will refresh, restore, and recharge you, so that you can do all you need to do with more power and vigor than before.
As we help our numerous clients cope with the unique stressors inherent in today’s uncertain world, we are thrilled to offer the services of Dr. Kate Colvin, PhD. As Director of Human Performance, Kate’s role is to provide training and education around various aspects of mental and physical wellbeing, including stress management, effective thinking, mindfulness, attentional focus techniques, goal attainment, organizational leadership, memory and learning enhancement, and sleep. Kate has assisted hundreds of LSDS clients, and is available to help you navigate the path ahead. Emailkatecolvin@lsds.usto learn more about what Dr. Kate Colvin, PhD, can provide for you.