Lets have an honest conversation about stress.  I know a thing or two about conquering this demon.  I’ve been a Massage Therapist since 2010 and have struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for most of my adult life.  Every Christmas dozens of blogs and newspapers and magazines start publishing articles about “How to Manage Stress during the Holidays”.  How many of you really have the time to take any of the advice?  Furthermore, how many of you actually try even if you do have the time?

Stress is a tricky thing.  Its more than just that scattered feeling, lost keys, and rushing around.  I've discovered that managing stress is a lot more about knowing what stress is and how it affects you than actually doing anything about it.   I have a favorite metaphor for many of the people that come to see me.  You can’t DO until you BE.  We are a culture of doing.  If we aren't moving, or talking, or acting then we think we are being lazy.  In reality though, our energy levels are a lot like bank accounts.  You have to put energy into the bank before you can withdraw it, and you add energy by BEING. 

What I mean by “being” is not doing.  That means using your senses.  Paying attention.  Being curious.  I’m not advocating that you sit around and literally do nothing.  I’m advocating paying attention.  For some people that means meditation and yoga.  But, for most of us that just isn't possible.  Our stress levels are too high and we are too amped up on caffeine and adrenaline.  Fortunately, Christmas time is a wonderful time for just “being” because there are unique sights and sounds and smells this time of year.   

So my advice on beating the stress of the holidays?  Really listen to a few holiday carols and sing along if you want too!  Bake some cookies, light a candle, or enjoy a fragrant holiday drink and really enjoy the smells and tastes.  Give your friends and family hugs and really appreciate them in that moment.   Take time to be dazzled by holiday lights and decorations.   The secret to beating stress is curiosity about our world and the people in it; use your senses.  Once you are being, the doing part comes easy.


Happy Holidays!

I ask this question to nearly every person who gets on my massage table.  Are you a locker or a clencher? 

Lockers lock their knees and elbows....all the time.  They tend to be prone to fear and anxiety, insomnia, depression, and often will run away from problems (figuratively and literally).  

Clenchers clench their jaw, butt, hands and toes and they are doing this all the time as well.  They cross their arms or interlace their fingers when inpatient or board and they are prone to TMJ, headaches, frequent frustration, and anger, and will put up a fight when facing a problem. 

Then..... there are the talented ones.  They are BOTH lockers and clenchers.  Their stress levels are extremely high.  The talented ones are in fact only one of those two but are so overwhelmed all the time by life that they attempt to do both and end up unable to do neither effectively.  They tend to freeze up in high intensity situations or when facing challenges.


Why does this matter?  Well, we all deal with stress and unless you are one of those talented ones, you either will deal with it by fighting or fleeing.  We are hard wired this way.  So, one of the best ways to manage stress is actually being very mindful of your body and what it is doing when you go through your day.  


Check out some of these common scenarios:


- Are you clenching your butt when you wash the dishes?  
- Do you lock your knees when listening or communicating to someone while standing?  
- Do you clench your jaw when someone disappoints you?  
- Do you grip the steering wheel?  
- Do you hold your arms close to your body either straight or completely bent when you are supposed to be relaxing?