6 Simple Ways to Let the Tension Go
By Sandy Schroeder
You know that overwhelming feeling when nothing works and it is hard to see what is next. In the world today, most of us deal with real challenges and just keep going, but sometimes we hit rock bottom and lose our cool.
When everything seems to go sideways, a few simple steps that actually work might help you calm down and regain your perspective, according to NBC mindfulness experts.
Wiggle your toes - Your mind and your body react to the past, present and future, but your feet are always living in the present. When too many things come up, remind yourself of where you are and regain perspective as you wiggle your toes and mentally step back. Your toes are reminding you that you have solved lots of other issues, and now you can do this.
Meditate - Put meditation to work every morning and every evening. Find a quiet spot or go for a walk and let your thoughts flow unchecked, unjudged. Later things will seem clearer and you will feel better.
Head out for a walk or a bike ride - In the midst of the day when tension builds, a short walk or bike ride can lift your spirits as you refocus. When you return, things often look better and begin to come together.
Do a body scan - Stretch out on your mat and do an inventory from the top of your head down to your toes. Check in with each part of your body to feel the tension or pain and gradually let everything go as you move through the chest, arms, hips and legs. When you first start, you may be surprised at how rigid your body is, but gradually with repeated scans you will learn how to relax and let the tension go.
Rest - Make sleep a priority when the challenges just keep coming. Do what you can to work on your issues, and then let everything go for the night, letting your brain refuel as you arrive fresh the next morning with a clearer head.
Loosen up - Stretch the body to ease the tension. Instead of freezing up, run through a series of stretches to relax the body and ease the mind, helping you mellow out and regroup.
If these simple steps work for you, hang onto them and use them whenever you need them. Or look for more ways to relax with music, art, or conversations. Everybody's different but we all need ways to turn off the tension.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.