I’m giving you a peek inside my relaxation toolbox.
If you read my last post, you know I’ve been contemplating the difference between tension and relaxation. If you missed it, check it out here.
I made some pretty big commitments to you – and more importantly to myself.
For a long time, I’ve pretty much just accepted the tension I regularly feel like a part of normal life. Because, yes, even with all of the yoga and meditation I do, I too get stressed out and have lingering physical tension. Tension is a state of disembodiment. And I quite simply cannot do my job if I am not embodied.
So, I am committed to changing. In fact, I am choosing to change.
I choose to invoke relaxation by any means necessary, every single day.
Yoga and meditation are wonderful and necessary fixtures in my life. But relying on them alone hasn’t been enough to combat the knots in my shoulders or spasms in my piriformis. Somedays it takes a multi-tool approach to return to my relaxed self. My real self.
Through years of trial and error, I’ve assembled a pretty robust toolbox that I can lean on to invoke my relaxed self. All of the items on my list have two things in common:
a focus on melting rather than beating tension
coming back into my body
In both cases, surrendering is required. On some days, one single thing will do the trick and on others I have to use every damn tool in the box.
Over time I’ve realized the importance of having all my “tools” pre-assembled before tension strikes. Because if they are scattered all over the place I am much less likely to remember I have access to them when I’m stressed out.
If you have more tension than you know what to do with, I highly encourage you to take the time to contemplate the tension melting tools that make up your arsenal. That way when you need them the most you won’t have to go searching for them, you’ll already remember they are there for you.
To get your juices flowing… I am sharing some of the practices, tools and people that help me melt deeply held tension.
Yoga Tune Up. I’m a sucker for massage. While there is no substitute for someone rubbing your knots out, these magical balls are pretty awesome. It’s amazing how just five minutes can change the entire layout of your body. And what I particularly love about them as a tool for managing tension is that you get to choose – where to use them, for how long and to the degree you want to.
Essential Oils. Since re-introducing these oils into my life, it becomes so much easier to release and melt. I use them topically (on my skin) and aromatically (in a diffuser). The oils have helped pull me out of panic attacks, relieving knots in my low back, and helped me sleep more deeply. A few favorites include Lavender, Pine, Peace & Calming*, Stress Away*, and Valor*.
Putting my phone down. The day Facebook and Instagram became part of my communication strategy, was the same day my tension skyrocketed. I’ve found that I have to be VERY intentional about not always being on my phone, because frankly, it stresses me the hell out. Additionally, I’ve found that when I am on my phone, I am not in the present moment and I am defiantly not embodied. So I regularly force shutdowns. Need technology to help you separate from your phone and reconnect to your body – try Moment.
Relaxmore. My teacher Jillian Pransky has an amazing 20 minute relaxation that I regularly use to invoke a state of calm and reconnection. Check it out here.
Tapping. If you new to this – it might sound weird. But tapping is a very quick way to change the energy in your body and to help you release tension. There are lots of places to get information on tapping practices- here is a good one.
Body shaking. After a stressful encounter, animals will sometimes do a whole body shake to rid themselves of the stressful energy. Have you ever tried it – I’ve found it to be amazing for shaking off a stressful mindset or situation.
Natural Calm. I was skeptical at first with a name like Natural Calm – but this stuff works! I tend to drink it in the afternoon when my is racing but tired.
A life coach. Yes I have a coach too. I believe in the process so much, that I invest monthly in working with my coach. And you know what? When I happen to be relapsing into a state of tension – she helps me return to a state of relaxation. It’s amazing to have someone who supports you and keeps you on track to achieving your goals. If you’ve ever contemplated having a coach- let’s talk. I would be thrilled to become a resource in your toolbox.
A few other things that sound simple but work amazingly quickly for me are: mindfully petting my dog, a walk around the block (Hello Fresh Air, changing my posture at my desk.
Again because I have the list assembled – when I wind up encountering loads of stress I now have a more clear understanding of exactly what I can do to relax.
Comment below to tell me what tools you have in your toolbox.