My title this week is tongue-in-cheek. And I know saying “Just RELAX!” will get a few eye rolls. 🙄
But to successfully REDUCE TENSION in our bodies…we really need to pay attention. That’s because our ability to RELAX and decompress (dare I say, destress) requires our undivided attention. And what I have for you today will help do just that!
So, this practice should be performed in a QUIET SPACE…free of distractions (phone, tv, kids, responsibilities, etc.)
I recommend this sequence at the start of your day. I mean before any of your daily responsibilities begin. But, if that doesn’t work for your circumstances, please practice when and what you can.
Challenge yourself to commit to 2-4 weeks of consistent daily practice.
Here’s what you're gonna need:
-Clear/Comfortable floor space
-Mat
-Maybe something for your head and neck
🫁Breathing throughout sequence:
-SILENT NASAL INHALE: You SHOULD’NT HEAR yourself -OPEN MOUTH SIGHING EXHALE: SLOW. LONG. EASY. RELAXED. SOFT.
Here’s what you’re gonna do:
-On your back. On the floor.
-Legs comfortably bent
-Check-in with your body and find your ground contact points:
✔️2 FOOT CONTACTS: 1) BIG TOE BASE 2) INNER HEEL
✔️2 BONEY POINTS between your pelvis and lower back
✔️Sense your RIB CAGE against the ground…specifically both SHOULDER BLADES
✔️Sense both sides of your HEAD resting comfortably and centered
✔️Keep your gaze on a point on the ceiling
💡You might notice one side of your body feels closer to the ground than the other and that’s completely normal. DON’T create more tension/pressure in your body and try to “balance it out.”
Now, try to “settle” into your entire body. GET HEAVY into the ground.
Practice: 10-15 breaths
1) HEAD ROLL:
-Turn your head SLOWLY, EASILY back and forth to the right and left. Be LAZY.
-INHALE: Turn your head towards your ear
-EXHALE: Return to center
💡 To reduce even more tension in your neck…you can lead with your EYES right/left
Practice: 5-10x/each side
2) HOOKLYING BREATHING:
-Get HEAVY through your ground contact points:
(BIG TOE BASE, INNER HEELS, 2 BONY POINTS)
-Hold this position and breathe
Practice: 5-7 breaths x 3-5 rounds
As always…I want you to notice how you feel afterwards:) Lighter? Looser? Dedicated to your health and longevity, Mike New to my approach to strength and longevity? Check out my practice for reducing overall body tension and engaging the relaxation response FIRST. Then sign up for a Complimentary Assessment & 1 Free Orientation Session! I promise, no gimmicks, no pressure… just a discussion about you! Let’s get you moving better and feeling stronger. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Enjoying my blog? Sign up for my newsletter! Together, we can start your journey to feeling better and returning to doing what you love to do! Click HERE to sign up.
Comments