In which I discover a surprising, easy way to boost my energy and eliminate back pain.

I’ve made a discovery that has made a big difference in my everyday physical comfort. And I feel like an idiot, because it’s so obvious.

What do I do? I relax my shoulders.

Somehow, I finally caught on to the fact that when I walk around outside, and especially when I’m writing, I gradually tense up my shoulders.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve made a point to instruct myself, “Shoulders down!” and I get a wonderful feeling of relief as my shoulders relax.

Now that I’m paying attention, I’ve been surprised to discover how much time I spend each day with my shoulders up around my ears. I’m not sure why I’ve developed this habit.

Maybe I’m just imagining it, but I do think I’ve been having more energy at the end of the day. It takes more energy to keep my shoulders tense than to keep them relaxed, and it makes my back hurt.

In the past, the thought of returning to my desk after the girls were asleep seemed too physically taxing to tackle. But why? Sitting at a desk isn’t physically demanding. Well, my tense shoulders may have been the culprit.

And as I lower my shoulders, I’m trying to sit up straighter. Ah, the pursuit of better posture! This is a habit I’ve been trying to pick up for years and years.

Comments

[geena]

When my mother spent a couple of winters in South Dakota, she learned a trick to stay warm outside: relax your shoulders.

Try it next time you find yourself sitting somewhere shivering - it's almost magic how your sense of feeling cold lessens with your shoulders relaxed.

PS - nothing to do with anti-lurking week, but I've been reading you with increasing happiness ever since a friend pointed me here . I've been marvelously inspired by your journey.

[Danny]

The same thing happens to me. I've never really tried to actively change the behavior, however. Perhaps I should try.

I really enjoy The Happiness Project. I love the way you're going about it.

[joyce]

I found that Yoga helps a lot with posture problems. It was when I started doing Yoga that I noticed my shoulders up around my ears. We often don't breathe properly either and Yoga helps you breathe to relieve stress.

[pauline]

I too find yoga a great way to relax and re-energize my body, mentally and fisically.

[Deb]

Reading your post, I realized I was hunched over the computer with my shoulders up around my ears. Ouch! Thanks for the reminder to take a moment now and then to notice and relax my body.

And I think you're so right about the link between posture and energy. More and more, I'm seeing how the mind, body and emotions are all connected, each with influence over the others. If so, maybe it's true that by taking a moment to relax our bodies we can invite a more calm emotional state and a more open and active mind . . . .

[damselfly]

As usual, you've made some excellent points. If I could add something here... shoulder and neck tension can "travel" down your arms and wrists and lead to more serious problems, especially if you spend hours a day at a computer. I have tendonitis in my arms and wrists - it started with shoulder and neck tightness. You need to stand up and stretch and shake it all out periodically.

Plus, sitting at a desk actually is pysically demanding (especially as you get older). Our bodies aren't designed to sit for hours on end; plus, sitting compresses your spine and can make your back ache. I'm speaking from the experience of a 57 year old body - you younger ladies, keep it all loose and stretched out - your body will thank you for it!

Love your blog, Gretchen.

[Jim Strock]

Another excellent and very practical posting! I was having increasing stiffness in my neck and back, despite overall good health--I was wondering if that was just something one had to accept as one entered the "Twilight Years"! :-) However, on the day when I got shooting pains in my forearms and fingers when I was writing on my computer, I knew something was just not right. I belatedly embarked on a series of basic neck and shoulder exercises found from internet medical sites. These made a huge difference within two weeks (the situation had taken a long time to develop, and took some time to reverse). The other thing I found, though, was that the pronouncements of various experts on the correct way to sit while using a computer (other than basically keep back and shoulders straight) may not apply with exactitude to each person. It may require some personal exploration of seat heights, etc. Also, the posture habits one develops can also be related to eyesight and monitor issues that might well be examined simultaneously.

[Kathleen]

Hmm, My shoulders were glued to my ears for many years. A lot of yoga, weight lifting and back issues finally enabled me to lower the poor things to the proper place. I still have post-its reminding me to sit up straight, shoulders down and back.
It also makes you look thinner.

[Mark Newman]

This is the first time I have read your blog. It's rare to find value in a blog from the first page! :-)

In addition to shoulders being scrunched up, I've also heard that tension in your eyes leads to all sorts of stress on your body and if you can get your eyes to relax the rest of your body follows suit, including your shoulders. I suppose it has something to do with focusing and concentrating on a task. Knowing when to let go is the key.

[annmarie]

Re today's post: Me too!! And thank you for the reminder! Interestingly, this also came across my desk today (important messages always come in groups):

"Moment after moment to watch your breathing, to watch your posture, is true nature. There is no secret beyond this point." Shunryu Suzuki

[PK]

Learn Tai Chi ! One of the key requirements in doing Tai Chi is to relax the shoulder and elbows. After a while one learn to automatically relax the shoulders.

[John]

I heartily second the learn Tai Chi suggestion. The connection between body posture and energy flow has been one of the fascinating things I've learned in my practice of it. I'm astounded at the levels of energy that my teacher exhibits.

[Deana]

I have a quick tip to stretch and relax the neck and shoulders. Stand up tall with hands down at your side. Bend your arms at the elbow with palms facing down as if you are placing your hands on an imaginary counter top. With resistance, press down on the imaginary table. This always pulls my shoulds down from around my ears.
Thanks Grethen for the for the topic!

[Alex Fayle]

For me it's walking. I go on 2 or 3 hour hikes through the French countryside with good tunes on my MP3 player.

I get the endorphins rushing and yowser, I feel not just good, but GREAT! (yes, go ahead and say it in a Tony-the-Tiger voice if you'd like).