Although the month of April is coming to an end, it’s actually Stress Awareness Month. Rather interesting, as this is one of the most stressful months for a lot of people because of—you guessed it—tax returns are due! Hopefully, since your tax returns were due (and sent) last week, you’re feeling a bit more relaxed?
If you’re still feeling a bit stressed and tense, try the following simple exercise.
Body Scan
Most of us tense our muscles unconsciously when we are stressed then wonder why we feel tight or sore. Often, being tense becomes “natural” and thus, we become accustomed and desensitized to this. Checking your body for any tension “tunes” you into any tightness you may be experiencing. Once you are aware of any muscle tension, you can then do simple physical exercises to loosen these areas. This exercise usually takes no more than five minutes to do.
- While sitting or standing, “scan” your body (from head to toe) for any tension you may be feeling.
- As you are checking/scanning your body for muscle tension, do some physical exercises or stretches to release any tightness such as opening or closing your mouth (to release tightened jaw muscles—do you tend to clench your teeth/jaw?), neck rolls or shoulder shrugs, shaking your hands and fingers (constantly tapping away on your keyboard?), stretching your back, rotating your ankles, etc.
- Do this exercise a few times throughout the day.
Problems to Possibilities 