Are you’re noticing a connection between stress and muscle tension? If so this email is a must-read!
When the body experiences prolonged stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, causing muscles to stay contracted longer than they should.
The shoulders, neck, and back are often the most affected areas, leading to soreness, stiffness, and even pain. You might find yourself holding tension in your shoulders when stressed—I know I do!
Some may even experience headaches due to tightness in the jaw and scalp. In the lower body, tension accumulates in the hips, thighs, and calves, which can worsen posture and misalign the spine and joints.
It’s crucial to recognize this cycle and take small daily actions to reduce stress in your body. Failing to address it can intensify pain and increase sensitivity to even minor physical sensations.
To tackle this at the source, we need to focus on our nervous system and brain.
Here are three effective techniques to help you regulate your nervous system, relax your muscles, and release tension:
Self-Myofascial Release (SMR): Use tools like foam roller or massage balls to release built-up tension and trigger points in your muscles. Start with a simple routine targeting your shoulders, back, and hips. Click HERE for access to my short follow along video on basic foam rolling.
Gentle Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Incorporate stretches into your daily routine to lengthen tight muscles. Focus on areas like your neck, shoulders, and hips. Click HERE for access to a Flexibility & Mobility session from my Q Fit Signature program featuring gentle stretches and mobility moves.
Breathwork Techniques: Engage in breathwork practice such as box breathing. It's a calming technique that involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, exhaling for 4 seconds, and holding again for 4 seconds. This method is excellent for calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
Incorporating these simple yet powerful techniques into your routine can help bring your body back to its parasympathetic state (rest and digest), ultimately reducing muscle tension and enhancing your overall well-being.
Focus Forward,
SQ
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