If you're feeling stressed and tense,
This short exercise may help.
It guides you through releasing any tension you may be feeling,
Particularly in your neck area.
The vagus nerve is key to reducing stress levels by regulating your nervous system.
It sits between two of the muscles in your neck which are often really tight and which can compress your vagus nerve.
There are effective ways to release and relieve your entire system simply by repeating a few gentle movements and stretches in your neck area.
So let's do a quick releasing exercise together.
Start by gazing forwards and rolling your shoulders forwards,
Up,
Roll them back and then down again.
Let's repeat this.
Roll your shoulders forwards,
Up,
Back,
Down and forwards,
Up,
Back and down.
Now let's go in the opposite direction.
Rolling your shoulders back,
Lifting them up and then forwards and down.
Back,
Up,
Forwards and down and once more.
Back,
Up,
Forwards and down.
Now slowly and very gently,
Keeping your head faced forward,
Tip your right ear towards your right shoulder.
Focus your attention on the left side of your neck.
When you feel it fully extended,
Turn your eyes towards the right and we'll take a few breaths in this position.
Keep your attention on the sensation in the left lengthened side of your neck.
Now gently return your gaze and your head to the central position.
And now let's do this on the other side.
Slowly and gently,
Keeping your head faced forward,
Tip your left ear towards your left shoulder.
Focus your attention on the right side of your neck.
When you feel it fully extended,
Turn your gaze towards the left and take a few breaths while focusing your attention on the sensation in the right stretched out side of your neck.
Slowly return your gaze and head to the centre.
Make a few gentle turns of your head,
Whatever easy movements feel comfortable.
Take a deep breath and as you exhale,
Enjoy the sensation of a more relaxed neck and a more relaxed you.
