by Jamie Carr
The holidays are an extremely stressful time of the year. Have no fear, you can fight the stress when you get your body moving. Follow this recipe for a Stress-Free Holiday Season. These 5 easy movements are to be done sitting in a chair, moving at your own comfort level. Treat your- self and enjoy a stress-free holiday from Authentic: Grooves.
1. Start with three deep inhales and exhales.
With each breath, slow down your thoughts and only focus on the present moment. Begin a scan from the top of your head, finishing with your toes, recognize the places where you feel tension.
2. Begin circling your head and wrists in one direction.
After 3 to 5 circles, reverse the direction of your circles. Releasing neck tension can reduce migraines, improve your emotional wellbeing, and aid with your immune system.
3. Firmly plant your feet on the ground with a little bit of separation, bend forward at the waist relaxing the arms and head forward.
After 3 to 5 breaths slowly return to a comfortable seated position. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Folding forward releases tension throughout the entire back side of the body and soothes the nervous system.
4. Place your hands behind your head and open your elbows out wide.
Gently twist side to side or bend side to side like a rainbow. Increasing blood flow and strengthen postural muscles aid with back pain. Be sure to use your breath as you twist and bend.
5. Cross one leg over the other, and place the ankle on top of the knee.
Gently fold forward at the hips. Hold here for 3 to 5 breaths, and repeat with the other leg. Your hips build and hold tension related to mental and emotional stress. Releasing tension in your hips help with stress and overall well-being.
Feel free to repeat these 5 simple movements as often as you would like. Stress is often held throughout the body and creates hidden complications. Introducing movement to help reduce stress is a great way to restore the whole body back to a neutral state. To learn more move-based stress-free tips, reach out to Authentic: Grooves, we can’t wait to help you be stress free this holiday season!
For more movement based stress-free tips, or questions, please visit our website bit.ly/AuthenticGrooves or visit our social media @AuthenticGrooves
Jamie Carr is the Founder and Artistic Director of Authentic: Grooves, a performance-based collective of artists, rooted in eliminating preconceived notions and enriching non-traditional spaces and communities with dance. To connect with Jamie or see what dance is in your community, please visit: bit.ly/AuthenticGrooves or check them out on Facebook or Instagram @AuthenticGrooves Stay Groovy!