Stress is a funny thing. Sometimes, mental and emotional stress takes the form of physical stress. It can make you as tired as if you have run a long distance. It can make you physically sore. And, stress can self-perpetuate. Think about when you have a quick bout of anxiety – like a close call in a car or bus. Do you tense your shoulders and neck? Over time, long-term stress makes us tense all over.
Where do you store stress?
For those of you who sit at a desk job, your hips and hip flexors store stress.
Drive a lot? Your shoulders and neck may store tension.
Stand frequently? That may stress your lower back.
Type a lot? You may find stress in your hands or wrists.
Walk around in uncomfortable shoes? You will find that your feet are tight.
I have good news: you can get rid of the places where you store stress!
There are free sessions online that focus on particular areas of the body. Some only last 20 minutes, but can make you feel so much better.
Hips. Hip tension can cause lower back and knee pain. So, even if you think you might not have tight hips, you may want to try yoga for the hips if you have pain in your lower back or knees. I really like the following yoga episodes for the hips: Episode 12: Hip Opening Flow.
Neck and Shoulders. So many of us feel tension in our neck and shoulders. It can cause headaches and backaches. My favorite yoga session for the neck and shoulders is Episode 108: Neck and Shoulder Release. If you don’t have twenty minutes. Simply taking a few moments to stretch your neck can ease tension. Find a comfortable seated position. Take your left hand and place it on the side of the seat next to you. Tilt your head to the right, gently bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder (note: don’t lift your shoulder). Repeat on the other side.
Lower back and IT band. When your lower back is stressed, it’s hard to think of anything else (or want to exercise). Sometimes, a tight IT band can cause lower back pain. If you have a foam roller, rolling your IT band can be oh so helpful. If not, check out this youtube class that focuses on the IT band.
Hands or wrists. While I haven’t found a yoga class that helps with hands and wrists, I have found a number of online resources to help. Especially if you have carpal tunnel, exercises from the Cleveland Clinic may provide you with some relief.
Feet. After a long day, a foot massage sounds simply lovely. Give yourself a “massage” with this lovely yoga class: Episode 83: Freeing the Feet.
Note: Sometimes when you stay in a pose for a long time that is releasing stress and tension, it can become mentally challenging to stay in that pose. Some people think that the stress that has been “stored” in those areas of your body is being released. When this happens, simply breath deeply, and imagine you are “breathing into” the area of stress. Remember to be mindful – notices the stress and tension leaving you body and let those stressful thoughts and memories float out of your mind and your body.
Tell us where you store your stress, and let us know what has helped you by commenting below.
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