Just Relax!

This last week has been kind of blah for me.  I’ve been feeling a little under the weather since Wednesday, and still not feeling wonderful yet today.  Tis the season for bugs!  This week I have been trying to focus on relaxing my shoulders.  I have been told repeatedly the last couple weeks (and on other occasions) to relax, let my shoulders down; if only it was that easy.   I seem to catch myself constantly with my shoulders up right under my ears, whether it is doing a form, driving or even cooking supper.  What started as being careful after injuring my shoulder four years ago has turned into a bad habit of trying to protect it constantly.  The tension, numbness and pain has become an expected part of each day for me.  It is very rare for me to have a full night sleep without numbness turning into aching pain starting in my shoulder and going to the tips of my fingers (no wonder I’m so tired).   Over the last couple of years the numbness has started to hit during the day.  Certain things in class can trigger it (even just standing with my hands behind my back), washing the car with the pressure washer and even vacuuming.   I’ve been told to avoid things that aggravate it, but most times I don’t even know what that may be until it’s too late.  For the last year I have been trying the massage, chiropractor, acupuncture, Recovery etc….  with only temporary results.  So this week I’m back to the basics.  I have been trying to be very aware throughout my days to relax and let the shoulders down.  I have to admit it has not been easy and I am still catching myself constantly but it’s a start.  Crumb, just caught myself again as I type this!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca