Being Trapped Inside an Obstinate Body

You have been here before, you tried to get moving again after your injury.

You're doing all the right things, but for some reason, your body feels like it's against you. It hurts. It feels uncomfortable. You were told exercise would help, but that seems to cause more fear and anxiety because your body doesn't respond easily anymore. There is stiffness you can't shake, pain you can't seem to get rid of, and the exercise itself seems to make you feel worse when you do succeed sporadically through the month.

The icing on the cake is that every time you try to start something, a couple of weeks into it, you pull a muscle, or something hurts for a week straight, or you get sick. Either way, SOMETHING always happens. You feel like your trapped in an obstinate body. If this sounds like you, I want you to know you are not alone. And even more importantly there are a few simple steps you can take to support your body, because that's what it really needs right now, extra support.

Here are 5 simple ways to help support your obstinate body.

1. Drink plenty of water. Anywhere from 3-4 Litres. Water helps thin out blood, flush toxins and waste as well as thin out mucous. It helps lubricate your joints and helps provide you energy. Drink the water before you drink coffee.

2. Get out for a light walk. Walking is low impact, it can be done ANYWHERE, anytime and costs nothing. It will help get your blood moving as well as your lymphatic tissues, which help reduce inflammation. Your lymphatic system is also part of your immune system, so if you keep getting sick your immune system needs some support. You will want to start off slowly depending on how sensitive your body is. Aim for a 15-minute walk and then slowly build it up from there. The goal is supportive exercise and walking is hugely supportive.

3. Take Magnesium Bisglycinate, or have an Empson salt bath. Magnesium is responsible for over 100 processes in the body, one of which is muscle relaxation and another is anti-inflammatory. If you are not getting enough Magnesium it can cause your muscles to cramp and not contract properly.

4. Focus on deep breathing. You can work on some box breathing, which is great for your nervous system. The nervous system can get overstimulated during an illness or injury as it's part of your body's protective mode. Box breathing helps calm your nervous system and gives your brain a chance to slow down.

5. Speaking kindly to yourself is HUGE while your in this state. Your body seems like it's been obstinate, but it's actually in a protective mode which is very normal. It's just not a fun state to be in so the words you choose to speak to yourself will have a big impact.

Of course, Bowen Therapy provides a nervous system tonic, muscle relaxation and gets your lymphatic tissue moving and will help your body rebuild a bit faster. Once your nervous system is able to reset many of the set obstinate patterns are let go and your body is able to establish better patterns.

What ways have you found have helped you support your own obstinate body?