vote, then do this:

1 day ago

3 min read

happy election day! writing you from Michigan, where I was shocked to see a Bald Friggin Eagle on my walk yesterday.

Today is a stressful day for many. For my friends who are terrified they will be impacted by the outcome of this election, I am praying for your peace. For those of you who are on the fence, make a choice you will be proud of, and go cast your vote.

This post shares physiological responses to trauma. If this isn’t your thing, click here to select your gift and be on your way.

I am not posting about Politics today, but the stress cycle and what it can do for the body. I shared this in class yesterday, and I think you need to hear this, too.

My recent read, “The Anatomy of Anxiety” (phenomenal for anyone who deals with or loves someone with anxiety), discusses the “stress cycle”, and the impact of not completing it. The author references rabbit studies on stress. When Rabbits encounter a predator, they may Freeze. This is a common stress response you may have also experienced. Your entire body stills. Rabbits do this in order to hide or appear dead. When the predator is gone, they have an incredible technique to rid their tiny bodies from stress, they shake.

Many other mammals do this. They literally shake it off. This tells their nervous system that the threat has left, and to return to normal.

Chronic stress will lead to disease. We know this. However, humans don’t often do this after a panic. We flip our hair and walk away like nothing has happened. Slowly over time, stress accumulates. Alternatively, You may have experienced this and wondered why the hell your were literally shaking.

Side note ** Many of us have had this during or after labor. I have blocked out if I shock during labor during my three births, but for my last birth I had the most insane shaking after. Teagan was born around 4 am after days of early labor. My body was exhausted. I delivered her naturally and after the placenta was out, I started convulsing on the gurney. My midwives and nurses grabbed the baby warming blankets, I asked for a tea, and my husband stayed by my side until they stopped.

Now,

What to do with this stress?? We are not rabbits or ducks, but let’s find healthy ways to complete the stress cycle. Movement will increase a cascade of healthy, mood boosting and calming hormones and help you get some great sleep.

So, let’s shake it out.

If you are pregnant and already tired, please select this 15 minute mobility exercise. I created this for my Jet Set Reset program earlier this year. Keep this after a long day of travel. Your body will love the gentle movement and afterglow.

It's only 15 minutes and will be a great restorative practice before bed.

more info on this program and other ala cart at home workouts designed for busy moms like you!
If you are not pregnant and ready to jump up and down, select this stress-busting HIIT workout. I created this at the beginning of last year when all of my mommas were managing the holidays. We will start with a somatic exercise that I would love for you to keep in your back pocket when you need. We will lift heavy things, sweat, and end with some breath work.

This workout is also short, but will require at least one heavy weight and a mat. I promise you, I will cool you down and zen you out before sending you back into the world.