Move from stressed to Well
All this month I am sharing daily tips for celebrating well rather than stressed.
Yesterday we defined stress as the state of trying to get somewhere else, and well as the state of trusting what you know inside as your guide.
Once you notice you are in the stress state, how do you get back to the well state? You likely have many things you know you 'should' do to relax when feeling stressed.
Actions like taking a deep breath, counting to ten, or making a list to get the thoughts out of your head. When we think of being relaxed as the opposite of being stressed, we find ways to distract our brain from the stressors.
All of these can work for that definition, but they don't treat the root cause of the stress state. While they may help to get your brain back to focusing on the present for a moment, your body is still ready to move.
When your body is holding tension, it's telling your brain there is still a problem. YOu can distract your thoughts, but your body is still nagging at your brain telling it to solve problems. You likely notice this most when you lay down at night and your brain wont stop!
Moving clears the stress tension but only when it does not create more stress. When moving feels painful, tiring, or embarrassing, it adds to that tension, rather than releasing it. More and more stress-tension builds and we miss out on the chance to bew well now.
Mindful, science-based movement is the complete cure for the physiologic state of stress.
Mindfulness brings your attention to the present with curiosity and kindness so the present moment is easier to stay in
Science-based means the way you are moving aligns with the way you are designed to move, so it is most likely to feel good now
Movement in a way that feels good now, with your attention in the present, with open curiosity and kindness clears the stress-tension from your body
It does not cure the stressors, it clears the stress so you can think clearly about how to handle the stressors of the moment.
"This is a complete mindset shift about exercise," one of my clients said with a big "light bulb" look on her face. Moving to Be Well Now eliminates the chronic stress caused by daily life and takes the stress out of exercising all at once.
What makes a movement science-based so it clears the stress state?
More on how to do that tomorrow.
Share this with someone you know who would like to celebrate December in the Well State.
Stay tuned for more Celebrating Well tips all this month @ExercisingWell
Why wait until January to be well?
If trying to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and manage stress have you stressed this holiday season, the Start Well in December Special is for you! Check it out by clicking the button below.
