Mindful movement with breath for health and wellbeing - stress & tension release [video]

I've been feeling a bit tense lately, and this Somatic video couldn't have come at a better time!

Like many people, I tend to hold tension and stress in my body, making it essential to find ways to relax my nerves, muscles, and joints. There are numerous methods to achieve this, but I personally find that combining breathwork and body movement is the most effective for me.

And you don't have to be super flexible or do fancy moves to do this one!

During and after watching this video, I experienced a wonderful sense of calm that set a positive tone for my day. Over the years, I've explored various styles of body/mind practices, and this particular video felt like a beautiful blend of many of them. I appreciate the flexibility in choosing what resonates with us individually, which is why I adopt an integrative approach in my counseling practice. We are all unique, even in our shared experiences.

In my experience, this video incorporated elements of reiki (tuning into the body's energy), chi gong (gentle patting movements), havening (soothing brush strokes), breathwork (remember to breathe deeply), yoga (mindful movement), and even a touch of EFT (tapping). Ultimately, it doesn't matter if it fits neatly into one category or another, as long as it effectively promotes relaxation and well-being for both body and mind. It certainly did for me, and I wanted to share this experience with you.

Wishing you a lovely day!

Understanding the Stigma Around Crying in Public: Embracing Emotions

Crying in public can feel uncomfortable, and many people, often associate tears with weakness. It’s common for counsellors to hear client’s express shame about crying, a sentiment I used to share.

Throughout my childhood, teenage years, and even into my younger adulthood, I was often labelled a "crier." I experienced sadness frequently, and while some comments from others were supportive, many were not. Interestingly, after completing my four-year training to become a counsellor, I found that my tears had significantly decreased. While I still cry—because, let’s face it, life can be tough—I’ve learned to embrace my emotions rather than hide them.

Why Crying is Stigmatized

When we celebrate joy and excitement in our lives, why do we shy away from sadness? It seems society has conditioned us to feel uncomfortable with tears. This discomfort often stems from not knowing how to respond to someone else's sadness. It’s crucial to recognize that someone’s tears do not diminish their strength; instead, they are a natural response to life’s challenges.

Validating Emotions

In my past experiences, I noticed that when I cried, others often reacted with awkwardness or dismissal, as if my emotions were unwarranted. However, our feelings are valid and appropriate to our circumstances. When someone cries, they may not need solutions; they might just need presence. Sometimes, all a person requires is a compassionate listener who asks, "What do you need right now?"

Embracing Tears: A Path to Healing

Understanding the significance of tears can foster deeper connections. Encouraging open discussions about emotions, including sadness, can help reduce the stigma surrounding crying. Whether in therapy or daily life, supporting others during their vulnerable moments is vital.

In conclusion, it's essential to normalize crying as a part of the human experience. Let’s create an environment where we can share both our joys and our sorrows without fear or shame. Embrace your emotions, and remember: it’s perfectly okay to cry.

At the end of the day, crying just like every other response to emotions passes, it won’t last forever.

Nervous system regulation yoga [Video]

Regulating your nervous system can be achieved in many ways, and yoga is a great option. I’m not talking about complex poses; simple stretching can help calm your body and mind.

Personally, I use gentle stretches to relieve neck pain caused by stress, allowing me to release tension and destress effectively. It’s important to listen to your body—avoid overstretching and focus on what feels good. If a stretch causes discomfort, skip it. Pay attention to how you feel before and after stretching. Try this approach with the short 15-minute video provided and see how it works for you! (Unfortunately this video does have an advert in the middle but if you can ignore that I think its great)