This Quick Stretch Helps Take The Edge Off
Many of us have perpetually tight necks and jaws. Chalk it up to chronic stress.
All that rigidity signals fear to the rest of our bodies which shows up in the form of exhaustion, irritability, cloudy thinking, an upset stomach, constipation, general anxiety… you name it.
While getting rid of that stress is a bigger conversation, there are some things we can do physically to stop that destructive train of events.
A big one is learning to relax the neck. That alone signals relief and relaxation to the nervous system, instead of the opposite.
A few times a day, take this simple neck stretch: let your ear fall toward your shoulder. Focus on the sensation in the lengthened side of your neck. Breathe deeply and soften. Then do the other side.
This is super simple, but it works. I find that a relaxed neck makes me feel more calm. It helps me think more clearly too. See how it makes you feel!