Stress is inevitable in our daily lives, that's why here at the Coach House we like to encourage our clients to make sure they have self-care practices in place.
These tools can be daily practices or just kept in the proverbial toolbox for times of increased Stress. These techniques, while simple, help to reduce the strain on
the sympathetic nervous system helping to increase the relaxation.
These tools can be daily practices or just kept in the proverbial toolbox for times of increased Stress. These techniques, while simple, help to reduce the strain on
the sympathetic nervous system helping to increase the relaxation.
Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing
Benefits include:
- Stretches and tones belly muscles
- Relieves Pain and muscle tension
- Improves posture
- Decreases stress response
To perform Deep diaphragmatic belly breathing begin by sitting tall or lying comfortably. It can be helpful to start with one hand on the belly and the other on the chest, this gives you a focal point as you breathe. As you inhale through your nose allow your belly to rise and fill. You will notice the hand on your belly moving to accommodate the expansion of the diaphragm the chest should have minimal movement during inhalation.
When ready begin to exhale slowly through the mouth and allow the belly to deflate.
Many people are deficient in Magnesium an Epsom salt bath is one of the best ways to restore this imbalance. Epsom salts are high in magnesium and sulphate and
are easily absorbed through the bodies skin. To have an Epsom Salt bath simply
add one cup of Epsom salts to a comfortably warm bathtub and soak for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Benefits include:
- Natural Stress Reliever
- Decrease muscle tension and cramps
- Decreases muscle pain
- Supports circulatory system
For foot/arm soaks add 1/3c of Epsom salts to the warm water and soak for 15 minutes.
Legs up the wall
This is a restorative yoga inversion posture aimed at reducing mental and physical stress on the body.
Benefits include:
- Supports the circulatory system
- Supports systemic detoxification
- Reduces swelling
- Engages the relaxation response
- Reduces symptoms of stress
To perform legs up the wall begin by sitting as close as possible to the wall. Gently lay on your back and you place your legs up the wall and adjust to get your pelvis and legs as close to the wall as possible. Option to lay with your back supported by a bolster/ rolled up towel for added spinal support and chest opening. Relax along the wall for 10-15 minutes.
Jacobsen's Relaxation Technique
The technique involves isolating segments of the body and alternating between 3 seconds of muscle contraction and 6 seconds of muscle relaxation. Assists to reprogram
the nervous system to reduce muscle tone, tension and pain.
the nervous system to reduce muscle tone, tension and pain.
Benefits include:
Improves sleep quality and quantity
Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Mindfulness practices like these take practice and repetition, like brushing your teeth you have to come back to it frequently. There are many different techniques to practice mindfulness and decrease stress so if you are needing support to be sure to speak to your healthcare team to see how we can best help you.
Other helpful posts for increased mindfulness:
Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for general educational purposes only. This information shouldn’t take the place of seeing your primary care provider for individualized health recommendations.
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