#31 Shrug

Sometimes we are too busy to take note of the signs and signals that our bodies send us; afterall we have a report due in three hours, our next "team meeting" is in - Oh My Gosh! - 30 minutes!  Or, we are racing to empty #2s from the potty before the other little one rips off her diaper while exclaiming "Mommy Poo Poo!" 

The bottom line is, we feel we don't have time to take care of ourselves.

Do not ignore your body - do not suppress the pain, doing this just makes you feel worse.  When the tension builds up, your head is hurting, and your back and shoulders are tight, there is a simple trick and it will make a difference immediately.  The best thing?  It takes virtually no time at all.

Shrug.  That's right, shoulder shrug. 

With your hands by your sides or on your lap, lift your shoulders towards your ears and hold there for 5 seconds.  Then you release, letting your shoulders drop.  As you release, exhale a long slow breath.

Make a practice of doings shrugs at least three times a day.

1) The Scheduled Shrug.  Schedule your shrugs, maybe just before you leave for your next meeting, or at the beginning of your next coffee break.

2)  The Spontaneous Shrug. When the opportunity arises take it - perhaps it is when you manage to steal a moment between your multitasking mommy minutes.  No matter when, allow yourself to receive the relief that something as simple as a shoulder shrug can provide.




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