Have you ever been so stressed for so long that it feels “normal”?
Years ago, I was navigating some tough life circumstances that had me feeling perpetually stressed. It wasn’t until those challenges passed that I realized how tense my muscles were and how much stress I was holding in my body. Maybe you can relate.
Check-In:
- Are you clenching your jaw?
- Are your shoulders tensed up towards your ears?
If you’re like me and tend to hold stress in your body, here’s a quick and easy body scan exercise you can do 1-2 times a day to help you recognize when you’re stressed and manage it before it gets out of hand.
Quick and Easy Body Scan Exercise
- Head and Face: Bring your attention to the muscles of your head and face. Notice any tension and consciously relax those areas.
- Neck and Shoulders: Continue to focus your attention gradually down your body, through your neck and shoulders. Notice any tension and consciously relax those areas.
- Arms and Back: Move your attention to your arms and back. Notice any tension and consciously relax those areas.
- Chest and Abs: Focus on your chest and abs. Notice any tension and consciously relax those areas.
- Hips, Legs, and Feet: Finally, bring your attention to your hips, legs, and feet. Notice any tension and consciously relax those areas.
- Breathe Naturally: Throughout the exercise, make sure to breathe naturally.
If you’ve been stressed for a while, you might notice that your muscles start to tense up again almost immediately after doing the scan. Over time, it will get easier, especially if you make room for other stress-busting habits in your routine, like regular exercise.
Why This Matters
Feeling less stressed not only makes you feel better, but it also allows you to bring more of yourself to everything you do. That’s why, when I work with clients, we don’t just check in about food and workouts. We also check in with your stress levels, what you’re doing to “fill up your cup” on a daily basis, and how we can “upgrade” unhelpful habits with ones that are more useful to you.
Our Approach
- Personalized Plans: Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that includes exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
- Regular Check-Ins: We celebrate your successes and tackle any challenges that come your way.
- Holistic Focus: We look at your overall well-being, not just one aspect of it.
You don’t have to do this alone! Let’s make stress management a part of your daily routine and improve your overall well-being.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up for a personal training consult
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