Let me share my observations of how it seems that we beat ourselves up a little every day. We start the day by thinking "I have so much work to do, I couldn't possibly get it done". First of all, is your "to do" list feasible? Or only able to be completed by a Super Hero? So why even ask the question? When you allow the negative thought to lead your energy for the day, guess what, you are going to feel stressed and fatigued all day long. For many of us, it triggers pain in the neck and shoulders.
Then we go and exercise and we beat ourselves up even more. Sometimes as a punishment for the mid afternoon pick-me-up candy bar and sometimes because of our crazy perception of what exercise is supposed to be. I know many people think that if you are not sweating profusely then you're not gaining benefit. But you entered into exercise with the sympathetic nervous system stimulated from the negative day, and you keep it activated by trying to "run away".
All this leads to the physical manifestations of chronic stress. Just to name a few (and maybe more than a few resonate with you):
- high blood pressure
- muscle tension
- panic attacks
- heartburn, acid reflux
- diarrhea or constipation
- nausea, stomach ache
- headache
Let me invite you to exercise in a kindler and gentler way. In a way that will calm the sympathetic nervous system rather than rev it up. Give yoga a try.
Namaste,
Stephanie