Whenever I am working with a patient at Tru Whole Care I ask the question: “do you think that stress affects your body?” The answer is a resounding, “yes.” However, when I show them the impact their stress is having on their muscular system, their mind is blown.
It’s one thing to discuss in theory how much stress affects us, but it’s another to see it and experience it. When we are feeling emotionally uptight and stressed, our bodies are physically tight and tense. For a more formal assessment to see if your back pain could be linked to your stress here is a quick assessment on my site.
Now, for the trick! That said, unfortunately, this works on most people due to the simple fact that most of us are experiencing stress.
First, stand with your feet together, and put your right arm directly in front of you. Twist your torso and rotate your right arm to the right as far as you can without moving your feet. Make a mental note of the furthest thing you can see in your rotational twist. Now, return to your starting point. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and then exhale for 4 seconds. Do this for a minute with your eyes closed.
Next, take 15 seconds to visualize yourself in your happy place. This can be you relaxing on a beach, you spending time with friends, or you enjoy a massive chocolate sundae. With your eyes still closed, put your right arm in front of you and rotate your torso again.
Now open your eyes! I am betting that you can see much further this time.
Try to take time to slow your breathing and release your tension regularly.
Feel free to start now and test out my trick and let me know how it goes!
