Therapy Thursday

Don’t have time to exercise but need to remove stress and muscle?

Take 5-10 minutes to practice these suggested light stretches and exercises daily.

Don’t have time to exercise? Make time to lightly stretch and meditate. Here is why…

Where do you carry your stress? Is it in your shoulders, pelvis, back, or head? Or maybe you carry yours in your digestive system or pelvis? Sometimes, we don’t know where we are carrying our stress until we start facing symptoms such as back pain, digestive issues, pelvic pain, or all of sudden are experiencing migraines. We are taught our bodies will manage it, but what we don’t understand is when you are under stress and tension, your adrenal glands that produce cortisol during times of stress are in overdrive and can poop out! Our bodies are not made to run solely on adrenaline and cortisol all the time; it is to be used for when you are in fight or flight mode. We shouldn’t always be if fight or flight mode, but as educators, we are often. When this happens, one can develop autoimmune issues. I know so many teachers that deal with autoimmunity and physical pain, including myself. I learned the hard way. Light exercising/stretching and meditation can help calm the system and shift it down from overdrive.

Here are some exercises to relieve stress and tension from your body:

While you are doing these exercises, it is important to take long deep breaths in through your nose and exhale all the way out through your mouth. Repeat the entire exercise and focus on your breathing. I naturally carry stress and tension. When I realized I am holding tension in an area of my body, these exercises have helped.

Disclaimer: Practice at your own risk if you have certain conditions. Ask your doctor or physical therapist first.

SHOULDERS

PELVIS

SHOULDER & ARMS

BACK

TENSION HEADACHES

LEGS

DIGESTION

FEET— These focus on other areas of the body, but these can be used to relax the feet as well as your body.

As teachers, we are often overworked and pulled in too many directions. We often put others before ourselves —students, parents, administration, family, children, friends, etc. — and it is hard to learn to take care of ourselves. Addressing mental health is part of self-care for our minds, bodies, and souls. Remember, if your cup is empty, you can’t fill someone else’s cup. Here are 27 FREE COUNSELING OPTIONS FOR TEACHERS https://www.weareteachers.com/free-counseling-for-teachers/

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