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Understanding Tension
We
are often unaware of the amount of deep-seated tension our
bodies harbour, how adversely it affects every aspect of our
lives, and how important it is to release it.
What causes tension?
Whenever
you're worried or fearful, mentally or physically overworked,
or simply feeling harried, you "pick up" tension, which tightens
your muscles. If the tension isn’t released, the next time
you're under stress you add another layer of tension. Your
muscles tighten more. And on it goes.
Tension
is also caused by 'structural stress' which results from incorrect
body use and poor postural habits. Just as it causes cracks
in the walls of a building, structural stress causes aches
and pains in our bodies, something we tend to view as having
"just started a week or month ago."
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What are
the signs of tension?
Tension can be
stored anywhere in the body, but most people hold it in one
area more than another. You might store tension in your neck
and shoulders. If so, you may notice that your shoulders look
lifted, and when you try to drop them, they won't go down.
Some people hold tension mainly in the stomach or buttocks,
others in the chest, and still others in the limbs or face.
It can affect not only the outer, more visible muscles, but
also the deeper, skeletal layers, causing stiffness and making
posture difficult to correct.
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What
can I do about my tension?
Wherever
the tension is, it’s vitally important to your health, wellbeing,
and physical comfort that you find a way to release it. A
very effective, self-help way to release tension is to stretch.
Tight muscles ‘trap’ energy. Stretching makes muscles looser,
releasing the energy into the body. This energy, now available
for the body’s use, heightens the sense of wellbeing both
physically and mentally and provides stamina for physical
activities.
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What
is the best way to stretch?
How you
stretch is important. Quick stretches don't allow time for
muscles to relax, and forcing your body to go beyond its limit
is painful and counterproductive. Animals never stretch quickly.
They do it slowly, gradually taking the stretch to its maximum
range. An animal never gets stiff or sore from stretching.
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How
often should I stretch?
How often
you stretch is also important. Muscles behave like elastic
and contract when they’re not stretched. Their normal length
increases, however, with repeated stretching. So it’s good
to do some every day, just whenever you can fit it in. You
can take a few moments to stretch at your work desk, in the
kitchen waiting for the water to boil, or while watching TV.
At least once a week, though, try to give yourself time to
go through a set of exercises so your whole body gets worked
through. You may find that a stretch program is helpful for
this.
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Where
can I find the right kind of stretch exercises?
Look for
a program that allows time for stretching deeply and gently
and that also promotes proper body alignment. These are principles
basic to BioSomatics and emphasized in my book
Stress Releaser Stretchcloth.
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