One Positive Action

Release Some Tension

I’m tense, you’re tense, they’re tense, we’re all tense! Well, this one’s perfect for easing out some of that tension we all carry around.

This exercise works so well as you’re tricking your body into getting out of ‘fight or flight mode’. Start with your toes and work your way up, one muscle group at a time. Clench each area, HARD. Your feet, your calves, your thighs, and so on. Hold that tension for just a few seconds before letting it go. As you release, notice your muscles relax and focus on that feeling. Make sure you keep those muscles relaxed as you move up!

When you reach your face/head, pay attention to your jaw, your tongue (unstick it from the roof of your mouth!) and relax your brow…. and you’re done! This quick exercise is a great way to remind yourself that you don’t need to carry every little thing with you all the time. Plus, as silly as it might feel at first, the focus on tensing and releasing each muscle can be surprisingly calming. I actually do this as part of my bedtime ritual, I feel loose, relaxed, and ready for sleep!

So, next time it feels like you’re carrying the world on your back, take a couple of minutes and give this a try. No special equipment, no setup, just you, taking a moment to release what you don’t need.