So many of us enjoy starting the new year by making a resolution – perhaps to stop doing something that no longer serves us, or to start something new. But how many of us start out with good intentions and quickly run out of steam, become demotivated and eventually stop?
Taking care of ourselves better and/or exercising more are top choices for a new year’s resolution. Perhaps you started the year all excited to go back to that gym class, or go walking every weekend or simply make regular time for yourself to destress and relax.
If your resolution was something like that, as we move into February, how is it going? If you’re struggling to stick to the plan, or if you’re feeling uncomfortable in your body (which prevents you from moving as you’d like) we’re here to help.
Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life. Thomas Hanna discovered that it isn’t the stress itself that causes muscular problems; rather the way in which we habituate to those stresses throughout our lives that determines whether or not we will develop Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA) – a situation where our muscles are tight all the time and we can’t relax them for the long term. This can impact how comfortable we feel in our bodies, and may be the cause of more severe discomfort or chronic pain that stops us from enjoying movement altogether. It may even be what’s getting in the way of your focus and follow-through. When we’re tense it’s hard to focus.
Somatic Movement helps us to recognise these reflexive stress responses and be able to release the resulting muscle tension that builds up. The more tension we release, the more free and comfortable we feel in our bodies. Somatic Movement doesn’t replace what you love to do – it prepares you for it. It’s a foundational practice. Whether that’s starting a new exercise routine, or enjoying a state of calm and relaxation.
So why not add Somatic Movement to your new year’s resolution, it might just give you that boost you need to keep going. If you need some support, a great place to start is with our Pain Relief Through Movement Video Lessons. There are 14 lessons where you can learn the basic movements you will need for a healthy and varied practice.
It includes movements that address all three stress reflexes (red, green and trauma) as well as some movements you can weave into your daily life.