Pause for a moment and take a deep breath. Another one. We might even suggest closing your eyes, but then you wouldn't be able to read this post. As you inhale, check in with how you're feeling. Are your shoulders creeping up toward your ears? Is your head leaning forward? Do you sense a tightness?
The everyday stress we face—whether it's mental or physical, whether it occurs at work, home, or in the gym—can settle into what's known as the tension triangle. This triangle begins at the shoulders and culminates at the top of the head.
The accumulation of stress can manifest as headaches, muscle discomfort, and restricted movement, which can then lead to additional issues like poor sleep, teeth grinding, and muscle spasms.
Fortunately, employing effective relaxation techniques can alleviate tension and discomfort while reducing overall stress levels. Northwestern University recommends practices such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, stretching, and meditation.
But can you possibly do all of these simultaneously