Stress! Who needs it?
Well, actually, we all do!
But not all the time!
We’ve evolved to use the stress response automatically, to respond appropriately to danger and keep us alive. However, we seem not to have evolved (yet) to let it go again after the moment has passed. It’s something we are realising is deadly important for us to do, for our health and sanity. And as they say, practice makes perfect so here’s a great idea for you.
Shake off stress
Yes – shake it off!
The stress response prepares your large muscles for running away from the source of danger. Your muscles contract and if they stay that way, your brain gets the message that danger is still present, so releasing those muscles is key.
You can do this in a variety of ways, for example, shaking.
Just 30 seconds of vigorous body-shaking in the morning, afternoon and evening not only releases the energy in those muscles, but sends a signal to the brain to reset. i.e. that the stress response has done its job and you can now go back to a relaxed state.
Here’s a great explanation of the science of shaking off stress
Some of the benefits when you shake off stress:
- More energy and endurance
- Better sleep
- Reduced muscle and back pain
- Healing of old injuries
- Increased flexibility
- Greater emotional resilience
- Less relationship conflict
- Less anxiety and worry
- Reduces post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
Lisa Wimberger talks about shaking off stress
Stress – Kim Eng shows us how to shake off stress.
Try following along to this very relaxing meditative exercise and let me know how you find it.
