There are times when you just need a little break to get up and move around, especially after sitting for so long at your desk, or focusing really hard on something. Even when that work is enjoyable, it can create tension and brain fog. Getting up to move around, whether to take a walk outside or to stretch at your desk, can help you to feel refreshed, recharged, and refocused.
One way that helps me, is to practice yoga. The combination of breath and movement, especially in a simple anytime flow-style class, for me, is a tiny bit magical. There have been a few times that I was incredibly stressed and felt like everything was falling apart (often related to work and feeling like I was in the wrong field or job or just wanted a little relief). My head was full of what-if’s, how can’s, and why this way, and my body felt tired and stiff. Once I made the decision (usually with some prompting from loved ones to get to a class), I immediately felt better, like a switch had been flipped and I was reset.
- There was the time I was crying over finally having a placement for the year (I had secretly hoped they wouldn’t have one, so I would have a real excuse not to go back), and I was contemplating over crawling into my bed at 3pm in the afternoon or going to my favorite yoga class. At the prompting of my loved one, I went to yoga. The teacher said everything I needed to hear (it was kismet), I cried. And I left feeling better, stronger, and ready to accept the position, even if I knew it wasn’t my forever goal (I left the field of SLP 6 months later).
- There was the time in more recent years where I had doubled my work hours and felt incredibly stressed and that burnout was creeping back in. I knew it was due to a lack of time for myself and some self-care. I was sitting far too much during the day and didn’t have enough creative time, nevermind time to move. Winter break was coming up and I was excited to have time (and some childcare for a bit) to head to a yoga class or two. But we all got the flu instead (hard) and I had one day before work started, and still had not gone to class. At the prompting of a family member who was visiting, I took time for myself and I went. And I felt an immediate weight lift off of me as I sweat, moved and breathed. It was my first yoga class in almost 2 years (motherhood, moving, new job), and it felt like coming home again.
This feeling didn’t last forever, but each time it gave me a moment to breathe, to see a parting in the gray clouds that had taken over, and to feel that everything could be ok again, if I just took a moment to breathe and move and tune in to what I really needed. It helped me see the magic of yoga again, and to feel empowered and more balanced for myself.
Over the years, I have found that, when I am stressed about my job or life in general, yoga, especially a simple anytime flow type of practice, helps me to concentrate on something other than my work (this is also really helpful when I am having stressful or spiraling thoughts). When needed, it also helps to get back into my body, and less in my head, so my thoughts have a moment to pause and reset, and I can work out any tension that might be building from sitting to work all day. After yoga practice, I usually feel ready to get back to my work, at least for a little while.
If you love yoga or are looking for a simple practice to help you when you are stressed, you can download a short, audio, 20 minute “Simple Anytime Flow” yoga practice in the SLP Toolbox, a FREE Resource Library full of tools to help you better manage and reduce your stress.
This “Simple Anytime Flow” is designed to help you connect your movement to your breath, so you can get out of your head, ease some tension, and find power within your body and mind.
Sign up below to access this download and more.
What has your experience been with yoga? How has it helped you when you are stressed? Share in the comments below!
Much Love,
Jessi
PS Have you checked out the SLP Stress Management Course? It’s an in-depth look at practical ways to manage and reduce your SLP Stress, and gives you the background into the stress you face, how and why it happens, and what will actually work to help it out (not looking at the brightside, ignoring the stress, complaining, wishful thinking, but real strategies that help your brain and body rewire the response to the inevitable stress you face.
