How To Let Go Of Tension and Stress
Don’t forget to take care of yourself too
If you’re constantly stressed and worried, you might be sleeping inadequately. Your shoulders and neck are stiff, you suffer back pain more often, headaches are annoyingly ceaseless and muscle tensions have been excruciatingly usual. You’re exhausted all the time and you’re getting used to that.
However, you notice that these are taking a toll on your physical and mental health. There’s an aquatic therapy that can help you restore your body's function, achieve relaxation, and get better sleep. In this article, we'll explore how Watsu can combat the negative effects of stress and help you take better care of your body. So, let's dive in and discover the power of Watsu®!
EFFECTS OF STRESS
In the meantime, let’s talk about how excessive exposure to stress can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental well-being. When we experience chronic stress, our bodies are flooded with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive issues. Mentally, chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Over time, excessive stress can also impact our cognitive abilities, including memory and attention span.
Chronic stress can affect our behavior and relationships. We may become irritable, impatient, and have difficulty focusing on tasks. We might find ourselves withdrawing from social situations or engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or overeating. If left unaddressed, chronic stress can significantly impact our quality of life, making it crucial to take steps to manage stress and promote relaxation and self-care.
Additionally, experiencing trauma and stress can have a profound impact on our bodies and minds. The fight or flight response is a natural reaction to perceived danger, but it can also lead us to disconnect from our bodies and emotions. For example, if someone has been in a car accident, they might feel numb and detached from their body, as a way of coping with the intense physical and emotional pain. Similarly, survivors of sexual assault may dissociate from their bodies as a means of protecting themselves from the trauma. Fortunately, there are ways to help people reconnect with their bodies after experiencing trauma. One of which is through Watsu® hydrotherapy.
SELF CARE IS NOT SELFISH
When it comes to caring for others, it's easy to put their needs ahead of our own. However, it's important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as crucial as taking care of your loved ones.
When you prioritize self-care, you can improve your ability to show up fully for others and be the best supporter you can be. This could mean setting aside time for activities that bring you joy, prioritizing sleep and healthy eating habits, and seeking support from others when you need it. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary part of maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. So, the next time you're taking care of a loved one, don't forget to take care of yourself too.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY MORE
It's important to listen to our body's needs, even if it means taking a break from work. Ignoring our body's needs can have a wider impact on our overall health. When our nervous system is not functioning properly, it can affect our immune system and make us more susceptible to illness. Taking breaks to tend to our body's needs, such as having mid-day rests, can help us maintain a healthy nervous system and immune system. So, even if it may seem inconvenient, it's important to prioritize our body's needs to promote overall health and well-being.
For instance, many people who suffer from a condition called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) find themselves unable to even get out of bed due to symptoms such as racing hearts and anxiety attacks. This is because their nervous system is not functioning properly, leaving them feeling hyper-vigilant.
What can I do to calm my stressed-out nervous system you ask?
Consider receiving Watsu®, a passive hydrotherapy that calms the nervous system and releases body tension.
HOW WATSU® CAN IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
During a Watsu® session, all of your senses are minimized, except for the sense of touch. You close your eyes and your focus won't be disrupted by any fragrances or noises, as Watsu® is a nonverbal form of therapy. In addition, earplugs are used to reduce any external noise and of course, there's nothing to taste so you won’t have any unexpected flavors. The focus is on the sense of touch, which is experienced through the backflow of warm water as you float. This creates a state where there is nothing to analyze or think about, allowing you to reach a sleep-like state of relaxation. Can you imagine how calming that can be?
Diana, a Certified Watsu® Practitioner, will assist you in reaching a deep meditative state during your hydrotherapy session by creating a sense of disorientation. With your eyes closed and floating in the water, you don't even know which way is up or down, left or right, so you have to let go of control. By surrendering to disorientation, you become fully immersed in the present moment and allow yourself to relax deeply. Just let go and trust the process. You will feel that you are being taken care of. Your body will finally feel safe.
Watsu® stands for water Shiatsu® where you will be cradled like a baby while being gently massaged. Diana will swing you rhythmically, back and forth. And stretch your body so that your body feels very good. The stress and the tension are released. It is then okay to come back to the body. Your nervous system’s functions are restored. You’ll feel calm, at peace, lighter and happier.
Book a free discovery call with Diana and see how you can provide yourself the care your body needs. Click below to book a 10-min discovery call