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Stretch it Out!
When we are tired, tense, or stressed our bodies react by tightening different sets of muscles. When those muscles are contracted they often cause discomfort. We then feel uncomfortable which in turn, increases our feeling of fatigue, tension, and stress. Sounds like an endless loop, doesn't it? You can break the cycle (once you are aware of it) in three easy steps:
1) Notice where you hold your tension; jaw? shoulders? chest? back? anywhere else?
2) When you notice which muscles are tense, release them.
3) Find a recurring event that happens during your day which will cue you to relax and release the tension. Your cue could be each time you stop at a red light or stop sign, answer the phone, when a commercial comes on TV, etc.
Because our muscles are so used to carrying our tension, it feels like their natural state is to be contracted. Your self care plan can be relaxing and releasing on a regular basis!
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My own self care activity this week is not writing a blog entry!
If you want to learn more about stretching, you may want to sign up for a yoga class at your local gym or recreation center.
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