A reminder about holiday stress

This time of year, your ‘things to do’ list can ramp up.  Even if it is not a busy time for you, it can be a stressful time in another way- the blues.

If you are feeling stressed for any reason this season, I want to remind you of something.

Mindful Movement is the antidote to stress. 

Most stress is caused by our thoughts going from the past or to the future.  Very few stressors are actually happening right in the present moment. Most of the time stress is caused by thinking of something you need to do in the future, worry about something that might happen in the future, or stewing over something that happened in the past.  

Mindfulness brings your attention back to the present moment. This reminds you where you have control, right here right now.  It allows  you to remember to be kind to yourself right now, to be open to remembering your strengths and finding creative solutions to present moment problems. 

But that is only takes care of half of the stress response.  You know that feeling of stress, right?  It is slightly different for everyone, but we all feel it in our body in some way or another.  That is because stress is preparing your body for movement.  Your heart pounding, stomach tightening, jaw clenching, blood pressure climbing, blood sugar rising, all are signs your body is getting ready to move to handle the stressor. 

Since very few stressors require physical action, that stress puts a drain on your energy.  When you are stressed, movement is the antidote.  But not just any movement.  Being busy getting things done is stressful movement, only adding to the stress response.  When stressed, you need mindful movement.  It does not take long and it is nothing fancy.  Mindful movement is just putting your attention on your body and moving in some way that you are taking care of your body.  A big stretch, a short walk outside, a dance to your favorite song, move in any way that gets your attention back to the present helps get the stress out of your body. 

What better time of year to give it a try if you have not already.  There is plenty of stress to go around.  Let that feeling of stress in your body be a reminder to move mindfully.  Let me know what happens when you do! 

Keep Moving (mindfully), Be Well,

Janet