The Butterfly Effect:
Remember the saying that a butterfly could flap its wings in Brazil and cause a storm in Texas? The idea is that a small, even a minute change can have a larger effect somewhere else.
We can use this theory when considering our own health. Take baby steps when trying to make lifestyle changes. Even the smallest of efforts can lead to a positive change in your health.
Emerging Bodywork encourages you to take your health and healing into your own hands: take responsibility for your body, mind and spirit, focus on one small change at a time. This does not have to be an overwhelming practice. Here are some ideas for small changes for your daily life that can have an emerging effect on your wellbeing: (IN PROGRESS CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES)
Foot Massage with a Golf Ball
- place golf ball on the floor
- with care for balance, place foot over golf ball and roll back and forth.
- you can vary pressures, make sure there is no pain
- for an enhanced foot massage with golf ball, soak feet in warm epsom salt water for 20 minutes (dry feet before using golf ball).
- forearms and hands need some extra TLC now with so much texting. you can stretch while walking down the street, on the bus or even in a meeting!
- stretch your right arm out, palm side down. with your left hand, hold on to all 4 fingers pulling them up and back towards you. feel a light stretch, (no pain) in your forearm
- turn your arm so your hand is palm side up, again hold your fingers with your left hand and bring them down and back towards you
- switch hands to stretch your left side.
- now stretch each finger individually, don't forget your thumbs!
- in breath: focus on your in breath. Do not try to control the breath, simply be aware of each in breath for at least 1 minute.
- start with 5 minutes of time just for you- not doing anything- just quietly sitting or walking
- take note of your surroundings, the color of the sky, the kinds of plants around you etc.
- if you work at a computer all day, start by stretching on your lunch breaks or add some shoulder rolls and neck stretches in while you are reading your email
- ease into a stretch, you want to feel the stretch in the belly of the muscle rather than the attachments
- a good stretch should not cause pain
- are you getting enough sleep? sleep is a very important time for the body to restore itself. without adequate sleep, the body is unable to restore energy and repair cells
- try deep breathing exercises to help relax your body before trying to fall asleep
- try to sit down for each meal, this allows your body to digest and mentally register that you are eating
- chew slowly and thoroughly, digestion starts in your mouth. why not make it easier for your stomach by allowing your food to begin digestion in your mouth
- count how many times you chew, can you chew each mouthful up to 25 times?
- try putting your fork down between bites to help you slow down