Let's Get Physical

“Five Simple Ways to Use Your Body to Feel Better”

 Beautiful inside and out. 

Are you feeling sad, depressed, or unmotivated?  Do the afternoon doldrums have you down?  Chances are if you’re feeling low, your body language is reflecting those feelings in the way you carry yourself.  Maybe you’re slumping with shoulders hunched, head bent, eyes down, not smiling, and breathing shallow.  But our bodies are smart and we can use that intelligence to feel better.

We don’t need to wait for circumstances to change to feel more joy.  We don’t need to run to a pick me up like alcohol, coffee, or shopping.  We don’t need to feel helpless or hopeless and wait for your emotions to change.  Relief can be right where we are.  We can use our body to help fight the blues and give us more energy. 

STAND OR SIT UP STRAIGHT – Our spinal cord is essential to keeping the energy moving and our chakras open.  Slumping, hunching and slouching impede that energy.  Straighten up your back, square your shoulders and put that chest out.  Your body wants to work at its best, help it out by consciously keeping it upright and let that energy FLOW.

LOOK UP – We are a nation of down lookers.  We look at our computers, our phones, TV, our feet; anywhere but UP.  Lift your head, open your eyes and look up!  Behold the world beyond our safe, self-imposed confines.  Engage with the world and let your spirits rise with your eyes. 

BREATHE DEEPLY – How often do you deliberately take a deep breath?  Try it right now.  Ahhhhh.  Breath is life, but most of the time we forget about it or it’s shallow.  No wonder we are tired and apathetic.  Breath gives us energy and peace.   So breathe deeply; fill your lungs and watch your energy soar.

SMILE – Yup, smile.  Turn that frown upside down.  You don’t need to feel it to do it.  It’s okay if your insides don’t match the outside; they will eventually.  Put a little Mona Lisa smirk on your face and leave it there.  If you’re looking up, chances are you’ll catch some people’s eyes – smile at them.  A smile is an act of joy and is never lost.

MOVE – Get up and move.  Stand up; take a walk, do five squats, skip, stretch, ride your bike, walk the dog.  Our bodies were designed to move so MOVE.  When you’re feeling down, get up!   Don’t wait around to feel better or to want to.  Move and you will feel better.  Better yet, get outside and move; fresh air, wind, sunshine, all do a body and the spirit good.

When we are feeling down, we often focus on our minds and emotions, but the body is just as important.  Let your body lead and your thoughts and feelings will follow.  Remember, life is a journey and your body was designed for the ride.