Spring is officially here and with it comes longer days (yay sun!!!), warmer weather and increased activity as we emerge from our winter hibernation and start to move our bodies again.
Getting started in spring can sometimes be a challenge as the winter stagnation/hibernation can settle deeply into our structures and be difficult to shake. This feeling stuck-ness or stagnation can manifest physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and more and leave us feeling helpless or hopeless; triggering our parasympathetic nervous system to be on high alert and wearing us down. The next thing you know you’re feeling less like “you” and more like you’re just going through the motions or “phoning it in”; simply existing instead of living with passion and a zest for life. If this is sounds familiar to you, let me assure you that you’re not alone.
The current state of our world can leave even the most stalwart of us in a state of uncertainty and with a general feeling of uneasiness. This “dis”-ease affects the way we move our bodies and interact with others. The longer our nervous system stays in “fight or flight” mode the more likely we find ourselves careening towards a state of nervous deregulation. What does that mean exactly? It essentially means “an imbalance or disruption in the normal functioning of the nervous system.” Not only does this affect our central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) but more alarmingly the autonomic nervous system (heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and even perspiration).
Yes, that means that your heartburn, atrial fibrillation, upset stomach, HBP and more can be a result of this deregulation. This often translates to us shutting down to a certain degree and not moving our physical bodies as much or in our usual dynamic way, causing stagnation. When we don't move physically in a way that makes us feel good, subconsciously it begins to wear on us, diminishing the way we see the world around us.
Don’t despair, there is hope and getting back to feeling like yourself again isn’t as hard as you might think. One of the easiest ways to get “un-stuck” is to move your body in nature. Research has shown that taking a walk in nature for as little as 15 minutes can improve your mood, reduce stress, improve your cardiovascular health and enhance your focus and creativity. My 2 year old Vizsla mix gets me out every morning for 30 minutes rain or shine and I can’t tell you how much this simple activity has improved my outlook and life. I have begun to feel more at home in nature and in my body. I feel that the more at home one feels in their body then the more at home one feels in the world. Our sense of belonging and connection evolves as our structures come into balance with gravity and therefore in harmony with energy.
If you haven’t tried ZB yet, NOW is the time as it is designed to help regulate the nervous system and bring us “home” again.
As always, let me know if I can help you feel more like YOU and live a life filled with movement & passion!