Happy Early Spring!
I’ve been excited about launching our new website, our recent presence on Facebook and writing this blog and yet it’s been a stressful time too. I realize that it’s difficult for me to look at something, anything, without wanting to make changes to it and to just be OK with it. Sometimes I feel like a dog perpetually gnawing on a bone. I think that perfectionism is a common personality trait but some of us can really relate to this tendency to get into an ”analyze-paralyze” state.
Today I want to encourage anyone out there who is feeling stuck with a writing or other analytical task, to move away from the desk or computer and start moving your body! Strap your shoes on and walk/run a mile, clean out a drawer, make a pot of lentil soup with some good music on, and then return to the task at hand. Exerting physical energy first acts like a generator for your brain, stimulating good, clear cognitive focus so you can tackle the task at hand without complicating it. Recent studies show that gum chewing and fidgeting among kids in class actually helps them to focus. We all know intuitively that kids need much more physical exercise in school, not less! Hatha yoga was designed to address the needs of the physical body first before the mind could be stilled enough to be able to meditate.
So, before I FINALLY got this new blog rolling today for 2010, I got on the yoga ball and vigorously cranked out the exercises that we share with all of our patients. Afterwards, I felt clearer and less complicated in my head and I was able to get started without too much brain chatter about what to write, etc. How does this relate back to the spine and nervous system and the importance of getting adjusted? We’ll address that next time.
To Your Health,
Dr. Kathleen Sherwood
