When I first started this practice of massage therapy, I was keen on helping people fix themselves by giving out homework. As this was usually unsolicited advice, it didn’t always go down very well. I’m pretty sure I drove off several clients. I’ve since learned that homework should be shared sparingly and lands best when a client asks for a specific suggestion as to how to address an ongoing issue.
Rereading last weeks entry, I perhaps came across as preachy and implied that one needs to be constantly fixing oneself with tips and tricks, or the overused, and, imho, misused, phrase, life hacks.
I am a believer in the benefits of receiving bodywork as a way of staying healthy, connected and grounded, (and not just because it’s beneficial to me and my coworkers.) Between those once a month sessions, I play around with the aforementioned daily practices*, gradually exchanging less healthy activities for more fulfilling ones. But, if the daily habits become chores that one is ticking off a list, and one chastises oneself every time one misses a day or a session, the process becomes somewhat self defeating.
These ideas and practices are simple remedies for when one is feeling off, or finding oneself trapped in a cycle of doomscrolling or mindless consumption. They are not intended to replace seeking out professional help, be it talk therapy, a doctor visit or bodywork. But, professional help is not always immediately accessible, whereas practices, with a low barrier to entry, are always there. Taking five deliberate, slow breaths, with a slightly longer exhale than inhale will bring down one’s heart rate and calm panicked thoughts. Walking when upset or angry alleviates tension and calms the nervous system. Standing outside and soaking up some sunlight helps reset circadian rhythms; in hot climates, like mine, this may need to be done at dawn or dusk.
Perhaps you don’t need a nudge, or you already have your own routines that keep you balanced. I only like to propose ideas that I’ve tried out myself, but what works for me, may or may not work for you.
Exercise: I can’t help myself. Nadi breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is a pranayamic yogic technique that has lots of benefits including lowering heart rate, calming the nervous system, preparing one for sleep and reducing sinus pain.
If my description is confusing, or hard to follow, simply look up Nadi breathing on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of follow along videos.
Using one’s right hand, extend the thumb and ring finger and fold the index and middle finger towards the palm. Press thumb to the right nostril blocking it, and inhale for a count of five through the left nostril. Hold the inhale for a count of five, then release the right nostril, press and block the left nostril with the ring finger, and exhale through the right nostril for another count of five. Pause after the exhale for a count of five, then breathe in through the right nostril for a count of five, and hold the inhale for another count of five. Unblock left nostril and cover and block right with the thumb, exhale through left nostril for a five count and pause, post exhale for a five count. Then the cycle repeats: inhaling through the left…etc.Repeat 5-7 times (or more, as needed, up to five minutes) finishing by ending on the exhale through the left nostril. Enjoy!
*see Health is Wealth post.