| We are living in a time of heightened stress levels | | | | the muscles of the shoulder to be stimulated in |
| in virtually every aspect of life. The various | | | | order to allow circulation to bring fresh energy |
| difficulties of the world seem to be seeping into | | | | through the area. Without that smooth flow |
| daily life and causing many people, who usually are | | | | energy can become stagnated and all sorts of |
| very relaxed and focused, to see stress-related | | | | problems begin to occur. Shrugging the shoulders |
| problems appear. In times like this learning skills to | | | | up and down vigorously opens blocked |
| de-stress can be a vital aspect of maintaining the | | | | passageways and helps bring an immediate sense |
| ability to continue training. By getting a handle on | | | | of relief. It should be something that is done on a |
| stress and keeping it manageable we enable | | | | regular basis whenever we have a free moment. |
| ourselves to stay focused and strong. | | | | Tip Three: |
| It is likely that we are starting to see friends, and | | | | Circle your Hips |
| family members with elevated stress levels. It is | | | | The hips are the center of our being and the core |
| important to help them to understand that | | | | where all of our movement begins. Unfortunately |
| breathing and movement is going to be one of | | | | in the modern world we spend too much time |
| the most beneficial things they can do to help | | | | sitting at a desk, sitting in the car and sitting on |
| themselves. Another aspect of this is the run on | | | | the couch. Our hips, including the lower back get |
| effect that results in us experiencing more stress | | | | very stiff as the energy flow through the area is |
| because of the stress in those around us | | | | constricted. Simple hip circles are vital in keeping |
| intensifying. | | | | things loose and moving in that area which |
| Fortunately there are a few very simple tips that | | | | governs the flow of blood and energy up the |
| we can offer our these people that will bring | | | | spine and down to the feet. Regular practice of |
| some quick relief to them. These tips are things | | | | simple hip circling exercises helps to break down |
| that can be smoothly and easily integrated into | | | | the deposits of calcium on the ball joint of the hip |
| daily life which will bring a mindful awareness to | | | | making movement easier. Hip circles also can ease |
| the body and help the smooth flow of energy | | | | tension in the lower back relieving tension. And |
| through it. These five tips are also things that we | | | | while circling your hips may make you feel a little |
| can use to help ourselves be more conscious of | | | | silly...it will definitely help you to feel good. |
| our own bodies and help us to build our defenses | | | | Tip Four: |
| against the ravages of stress. | | | | Shake your Arms and Legs |
| Tip One: | | | | Tension from stress gets trapped all over the |
| Remember to Breathe | | | | body. We often don't realize that we have |
| Remembering to breathe can be a challenge. With | | | | pockets of stress everywhere. Shaking is an |
| all of the stressful things in life it is very easy to | | | | exercise that loosens things up, clearing blockages |
| get distracted and forget to breathe. When this | | | | where energy may have become stagnated. |
| happens our breathing becomes very shallow and | | | | Shaking stimulates the circulatory system and |
| our bodies get tense. In times of extreme stress, | | | | assists with energy movement through the body. |
| people often hold their breath which makes things | | | | It may sound too simple and easy, but the |
| even worse. Deep breathing is the simplest thing | | | | benefits are immediate and profound. Start by |
| we can do to help ourselves feel better | | | | shaking out your feet and legs, alternating from |
| immediately. It is a process that brings more | | | | one to the other. Next shake out your hands. |
| oxygen into the body and puts more nutrients | | | | Imagine as if your hands are covered in water |
| into the blood stream. Deep breathing is the | | | | and you are shaking the drops off. Shake your |
| primary method for the creation and circulation of | | | | hands up and down, side to side and then around |
| energy in the body. By focusing on the breathing | | | | in a circle. Finally, begin to get your whole body |
| we literally create space within us which helps | | | | shaking in a loose and relaxed manner. Bounce up |
| loosen constriction and allows our muscles to | | | | and down, wiggle your knees and elbows, shake |
| relax. Deep breathing also calms and clears the | | | | your arms...breathe! |
| mind. The best method for remembering to | | | | Tip Five: |
| breathe is to instill good breathing skills whenever | | | | Find a little Peace and Quiet |
| the opportunity arises. Don't wait until you need it, | | | | Sometimes it can seem that life is a never ending |
| practice all the time. When stuck in | | | | series of challenges, filled with noise and |
| traffic...breathe, when waiting in line at the | | | | disruptions. When things become too hectic stress |
| supermarket...breathe...then, when things begin to | | | | levels build. At times like this finding some peace |
| get stressful it is much easier to remember to | | | | and quiet is imperative. Deep down we all know |
| breathe! | | | | this, but too often we tell ourselves that we don't |
| Tip Two: | | | | have time to stop and give ourselves a few |
| Shrug your Shoulders | | | | moments to relax. This is a sure recipe for |
| The shoulders are a place where a large majority | | | | disaster. The truth is that if you can give yourself |
| of people carry their tension. It is often easy to | | | | a few moments each day to sit in quietly without |
| be able to see the physical tightening of the | | | | distraction, focused on your breathing, you give |
| shoulder muscles of people under high levels of | | | | yourself the opportunity to gain control over your |
| stress. This tightness restricts the flow of oxygen | | | | stress. It may take a little discipline to carve out |
| and energy to the brain making things worse. The | | | | the time, but the benefits are well worth it. Finding |
| simple practice of shrugging the shoulders is an | | | | a little peace and quiet in your life will help to |
| excellent way to loosen the tightness that builds | | | | ground you and allow your to keep your center |
| up in the upper body and release the tension of | | | | when things get crazy. |
| the shoulders and neck. It is very important for | | | | |