Therapist's Thoughts on Thursday

My clients thank me when I end a session with this:

Take a deep breath, way down into your abdomen.  As you exhale, let your whole body begin to relax.

Curl both fists, tightening forearms, biceps and pectoral  muscles (Charles Atlas pose).  Hold tight - 7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and relax.  Notice the feeling of relaxation in your arms and chest.

Wrinkle up your forehead.  Hold tight - 7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and relax.  Roll your head clockwise in a complete circle.  Then reverse.  Notice the feeling of relaxation in your forehead.

Now make your face like a walnut:  simultaneously frown, squint your eyes, pinch your lips, tighten your jaw (unless you have TMJ), and hunch your shoulders.  Hold tight - 7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and relax.  Notice how it feels when your face and shoulders deeply relax.

Gently arch your back and take a deep breath into your chest.  Hold the position, as well as your breath and relax.

Take another deep breath this time pressing your stomach out.  Hold tight - 7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and relax.  Notice how it feels to relax your stomach.

Now flex your feet and toes.  Tighten your buttocks, thigh, and calf muscles.  Hold tight, 7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and relax.

Lastly, point your toes out (ballerina style) while again tightening thighs and calves.  Tight, 7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and relax.  Notice what your legs feel like when they really relax.  Briefly scan your body and allow yourself to feel the relaxation spread from head to toe.

From book: The Daily Relaxer, Matthewy McKay & Patrick Fanning

If you are at a place where you can, read this outloud and try it!