Stress Release: Drop Your Shoulders

Hello! I’m Emily Boudwin, a neuromuscular massage therapist and restorative exercise specialist. Today, I want to dive into a topic that resonates with many of us: the impact of stress on our bodies, particularly how it creates tension and tight, painful muscles in the upper body. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat this is through the practice of consciously dropping your shoulders.

Stress can manifest in various ways, but for me, it often gets triggered by emergencies involving my special needs daughter. Recently, during a particularly challenging time, I found that taking deep breaths and allowing my shoulders to drop helped me immensely. It’s a simple act, but it creates a profound release of tension.

Now, I understand that there are moments when emotions bubble to the surface, making us want to cry. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. Crying can be a great release. However, there are times, especially in professional settings, where expressing those emotions isn’t feasible. In those moments, we tend to accumulate stress in our bodies, particularly in our neck, shoulders, and jaw.

It’s essential to find those moments in our day to relax and let our shoulders drop. This practice takes time and dedication, especially during high-stress periods. Whether you’re raising a special needs child, caring for a loved one with dementia, or simply navigating life’s challenges, remember that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. My daughter just turned 24, and her developmental age is closer to three, so I truly understand the weight of constant worry and stress.

We often hold our stress right through the neck and shoulders, causing tightness that can lead to headaches, migraines, and TMJ issues. That’s why finding time for stress release is not just beneficial; it’s necessary. Allowing yourself to relax, to drop your shoulders, is a practice worth cultivating.

Remember, this process takes time. It’s okay to take the time you need to learn how to manage your stress effectively. Don’t rush the journey; embrace it. I hope you find moments in your day to breathe deeply and release that tension. Let’s all commit to dropping our shoulders and alleviating the burdens we carry.

Have a wonderful day!