Anytime throughout the day you are feeling stressed and need to re-set, take a few minutes to engage in this mindful movement exercise.
To Practice (can be done standing or seated):
To begin, stand or sit tall. Notice your breath and take long, deliberate breaths in and out.
On your next inhale lift your arms up above your head, and as you exhale, quickly drop your arms back down to your sides. Perhaps let out an audible, “Ahhh…” as you exhale. Inhale, lift your arms up, above your head, exhale, quickly drop your arms back down to your sides. Repeat several times at your own pace.
When that feels complete, for the next few breaths, move your body in large circles while allowing your arms to hang weightlessly by your sides. Move in a way that feels right for you today. Perhaps allow your neck and shoulders to also move in a circular fashion.
Continue to move, emphasizing the exhale with an audible “ahhhh” until you feel your stress has shifted or melted away.
Consider following this exercise with a grounding one.