Most of the women I work with, whether they come in for trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or grief, also have headaches and chronic pain in their shoulders, back, stomach, and/or hips. Many also feel distance, numbness, or anger towards their bodies. This is because what we feel in our minds we also experience in our bodies and vice versa. Due to this connection, it is especially important for women to focus on holistic healing by attending to mind and body.
Contrary to popular belief, therapy isn't only about talking. You can also learn breathing and relaxation techniques and do work to reconnect and forgive your body.
Try this short exercise to check in with your mind-body connection:
1. Take a few deep breaths
2. Think of the word "stress"
3. Locate where in your body you hold your stress
4. Take a few deep breaths and focus on relaxing, releasing, or opening that part of your body.
5. Think of the word "happy" and repeat the exercise.
What came up for you? What did you notice about your emotions and your body? For some, taking a deep breath is a challenge right now and for others you may have breezed through and felt little. Regardless of your reaction to it, it tells us something about how you are carrying your feelings.
Do you need a little help reconnecting? Contact me to learn more.