Tense and Tenser

When we’re tense, we close up. Our body is virtually in ‘guard mode’, in hopes of being able to endure anything that comes our way. It could happen at work, our shoulders constantly raised like we’re prepared to fight something, or it could happen in conversations, each comment from a friend always taken as a slight attack.

These are not so subtle signs, you need a break. I think constantly bringing your shoulders down, or ignoring the offences you take from people’s comments, are only temporary fixes. When our body begins to lock up that way, we need to actually relax for a bit, and not let work or situations or issues overwhelm us.

Tension, like dust, needs time to build up; it’s best to attend to it as it tries to gather. So don’t be reluctant to take some time off today! Just an hour or thirty minutes of breathing and silence can change a lot, I’ve found, without your phone, preferably.

-Alexander from MANI