TMHS 438: The Stress-Movement Connection & Finding Alignment Today - With Guest Aaron Alexander
Oct 26, 2020
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Movement coach and therapist Aaron Alexander discusses the importance of movement and the stress-movement connection. He recommends adding more movement to daily life, starting with spending 30 minutes on the floor each day. The podcast also explores the power of small changes, the importance of oxygen, and the connection between external organization and internal well-being.
Incorporating movement and exercise into daily routines is crucial for overall health and happiness, especially during times of stress and sedentary behavior.
Making small, consistent shifts in our physical environment can significantly impact personal growth and mindset.
Creating a space that supports movement, positive energy, and a sense of belonging can cultivate a more positive and healthy lifestyle.
Deep dives
The Impact of COVID-19 on Movement and Exercise Habits
The podcast discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the movement and exercise habits of individuals, particularly children. Data shows that sedentary behavior has increased while exercise levels have decreased during the pandemic. These changes have the potential to lead to long-term health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The episode emphasizes the need to address this issue and find ways to incorporate movement and exercise into daily routines.
Changing Environment and Identity to Support Change
The podcast highlights the importance of changing one's physical environment to support personal growth and identity transformation. Small changes in the environment, such as rearranging furniture or changing wall colors, can have a significant impact on overall well-being and mindset. The episode suggests that by making gradual and consistent shifts in our environment, we can create a more positive and conducive space for personal development and change.
Consistency and Small Steps for Sustainable Change
The episode emphasizes the power of consistency and making small, sustainable changes for long-term personal growth. It encourages listeners to focus on making consistent efforts rather than seeking immediate and dramatic transformations. By consistently showing up, supporting others, and making small positive changes, individuals can gradually create significant positive impacts on their lives.
The Connection between Environment and Well-being
The podcast emphasizes the connection between our physical environment and our overall well-being. It suggests that by creating a space that supports movement, positive energy, and a sense of belonging, individuals can cultivate a more positive and healthy lifestyle. The episode encourages listeners to pay attention to their surroundings and make intentional changes that align with their values and goals.
The Importance of Organization and Alignment in the Body
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of organization and alignment in the body. It compares having an organized cupboard to feeling more in control and at ease in one's physical body. The speaker explains that misalignments and adhesions can lead to disconnect and a sense of chaos in the body, affecting the central nervous system. By organizing and aligning the different parts of the body, such as the spine, ribs, diaphragm, and feet, individuals can establish a stronger connection with their bodies and improve overall well-being.
The Influence of Environment on Movement and Well-being
The podcast episode discusses how the environment impacts movement and well-being. It highlights the cultural tendency towards convenience, which often leads to a lack of movement. The speaker suggests that individuals take responsibility for their movement patterns and make conscious choices to engage with their environment. Simple practices like spending time on the ground, getting arms up over the head, and relaxing the eyes can help promote better movement, brain-body connection, and stress reduction. The episode also touches on the relationship between clutter, stress, and food choices, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment that supports overall health and well-being.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent more time than you would like to admit on your couch, in front of a screen, or both since the pandemic started. We’ve all been there, so it’s no surprise that a recent study published by BMC Public Health showed that levels of sedentary behavior have skyrocketed while levels of exercise have decreased over the last seven months. What comes as more of a shock is that these trends are showing a tendency to become permanently entrenched.
Today’s guest, world-renowned movement coach and therapist Aaron Alexander, is here to offer a few tools to help all of us put down our phones and reconnect with our physiology. Instead of recommending sweeping lifestyle changes, Aaron makes an argument for subtle, steady shifts to your daily life—starting with spending 30 minutes on the floor every day.
Aaron explains that movement doesn’t need to be complicated—but we do need to move. Because when you’re stressed, and you don’t move, your system begins to deteriorate. 2020 might not be the year to undertake a complete transformation, but adding in more movement is incredibly important right now, for your health and happiness.
Enjoy my conversation with Aaron Alexander, and give his suggestions a try. You might even start to see the world differently from down there on the floor.
In this episode you’ll discover:
Why movement helps to bring your brain online and deal with stress.
What role your personal narrative plays in how you approach your health.
How posture is linked to your perception of the world—and the world’s perception of you.
How simply doing the work and showing up can help you manifest success.
Why swift lifestyle changes don’t always have staying power.
How our belongings can harbor psychological weight.
The connection between bringing organization into your body and bringing organization into your home.
Why it’s important to get out of the same repetitive sitting position you’ve been in since kindergarten.
Why Aaron recommends spending at least 30 minutes a day on the ground.
How poor food choices are more likely when you feel out of control—and vice versa.
The three simple things Aaron says you can do every day to bring alignment to your life.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
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