406: How to fix your posture & ease your anxiety | Manual therapist Aaron Alexander
May 30, 2022
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Manual therapist Aaron Alexander discusses the impact of posture on mood, and shares tips on fixing alignment, walking for longevity, and sitting on the floor. He also recommends listening to crackling fire for stress relief and emphasizes nonnegotiable habits for spinal health. The podcast explores the connection between body posture and mental health, breath work, walking mechanics, landscapes' influence on well-being, basketball injuries' impact on spinal health, and lifestyle factors for improving alignment and well-being.
Alignment is vital for overall health and happiness, affecting relationships, communication, and mental well-being.
Exploring different landscapes and sounds can positively impact mood and facilitate healing.
Optimal posture, floor sitting, and nasal breathing contribute to spinal health, stress reduction, and overall vitality.
Deep dives
Personal Health Journey and Align Method
The podcast episode starts with the guest, Aaron Alexander, discussing his personal health journey, which led him to develop the Align Method. He shares how he became interested in physicality and bodybuilding as a coping mechanism during a challenging period in his life. However, this imbalanced training resulted in chronic pain and injuries. Eventually, he transitioned into exploring different practices like yoga, jiu-jitsu, and manual therapy. The Align Method, according to Aaron, is a philosophy and toolbox for effectively inhabiting the body and achieving goals like flexibility, strength, and self-expression.
The Power of Alignment
The conversation then dives into the power of alignment, both physically and metaphorically. Aligning oneself spiritually, physically, and mentally is highlighted as a key aspect of well-being. The guest emphasizes the importance of being in a state of alignment to avoid issues and achieve overall health and happiness. The idea of alignment as a philosophy and a way of inhabiting the body is explored in terms of how it can positively impact relationships, body language, communication, and mental health.
Archetypes and Walking Mechanics
The guest introduces different postural archetypes, including mopey, anxious, swole, bendy, and aligned. Each archetype represents a particular postural expression and personality, highlighting the connection between body and mind. The discussion then shifts to walking mechanics and the preference for certain landscapes. The importance of having access to full range of motion in the body is emphasized, and the guest encourages curiosity and exploration during walking. The impact of landscapes on emotional well-being is also mentioned, with examples of how nature and different sounds can positively affect our mood and healing process.
Different archetypes and their characteristics
The podcast explores different archetypes, such as the bendy person, the swall person, and the anxious person. The bendy person is described as creative and spontaneous but can struggle with follow-through. The swall person is portrayed as stiff and trying to project stability and control. The anxious person is characterized by fast-paced speech and burnout tendencies. The podcast highlights how these archetypes can coexist and benefit from each other, promoting balance and interdependence.
Tips for improving posture and breathing
The podcast also discusses the importance of posture and breathing for overall well-being. It suggests sitting upright, with hips above the knees, to maintain a neutral spine and pelvic position. Spending time on the ground and incorporating floor sitting into daily routines is recommended for optimal spinal health. The podcast emphasizes the benefits of nasal breathing for cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and stress reduction. It encourages walking meetings and being outdoors to enhance posture and overall vitality. Additionally, the power of deep exhalation and horizontal breathing is highlighted as a tool to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote calmness.
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