Life can throw so much at us and I know sometimes I don’t even know that I’m walking around tensing up my shoulders and upper back! Like, why do we do this??? I’ve figured out how to release that tension without spending an arm and a leg on massages and chiropractors. We have to start at the root of the issue, which is realizing why we are even walking around as if we’re carrying 100lbs all the time. I finally noticed that I was tensing that upper back and shoulders at night!!! So, the first step is realizing that you are doing it and then practice relaxing those muscles on the go. It does take time and effort. You may think, but it’s quicker if I go to the chiropractor or get a massage, but if you think of the time it takes to make that appointment, the soreness you feel afterwards even and the fact that you have to block out time for it, not to mention, not all of us have the money to do that. So, without further ado, here are my steps:
1) Recognize the stressors that are causing you to be tense. It could be relationships or it could just be the day to day tasks that need accomplished and you’re thinking about those; tensing as you’re running your daily list through your head. Whew! Who can feel me on this one? Once I realized I was unconsciously tensing, it allowed me to consciously practice un-tensing.
2) Morning and nightly essential oil routine. Put a drop or two on your finger tips and apply that directly over the areas that are tense. I get big knots right next to my shoulder blades, in between the shoulder blades and spine. So, I apply a drop or two to my right finger tips and then massage it into the left side knot. I do the same on the other side. Favorite oils to use: Deep Relief; Wintergreen/ Peppermint and Clove; Frankincense, Northern Lights Black Spruce and Copaiba. Any combination of these can be used. I will occasionally apply Stress Away along the back of my neck and shoulders. To top it all off I’ll apply a hot corn sack over the knots after applying oils. It really starts to loosen up the muscles and help them relax.
3) Finally, stretching after applying the oils and heat will help to loosen those muscles even more. I like to do deep squats, taking deep breaths and reaching forward and at 45 degrees angles with my arms and hands. I slowly bring myself up so I’m bent over touching my toes and then slowly rising up into a standing position.
When I have followed this protocol in the past, it usually takes about 5-7 days for those muscles to finally release. When I remind myself to relax throughout the day, I don’t develop those knots in my back. Applying the StressAway roll on from Young Living or Valor or my current favorite: Vanilla Whimsy also helps as a reminder to relax.
Go here to get the knots and relax bundle and find relief: Knots and Relax
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