Mind and Body: How Pilates Can Help Relieve Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of mental and physical health problems. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to reduce stress and feel better. Pilates is one type of exercise that many people use to ease feelings of stress and tension. Here are some tips to help you use Pilates to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms.
1. Make Pilates A Part Of Your Regular Routine
The most important thing is sticking to a regular routine. Make Pilates a priority in your schedule, and aim to do a few exercises every day for at least 20 minutes. It’s also important to make sure that you are doing the exercises properly. Taking a Pilates class or hiring a qualified instructor can be helpful in understanding the correct technique and form.
2. Slow Down and Breathe
The fundamental purpose of Pilates is to help you control your body movements in a mindful and deliberate way. During your Pilates sessions, focus on integration between your physical and mental state. As you move your body, be aware of your breathing and be mindful of the sensations in your body. This can help to cultivate a state of relaxation and tranquility.
3. Focus On Your Core Strength
Pilates exercises can help to strengthen your core, which can improve posture and reduce body pain. A strong core is also associated with improved coordination and balance, as well as more efficient performance for daily activities. Core strengthening exercises are also known to reduce feelings of anxiety, which can help to ease feelings of stress and tension.
4. Practice Mindful Stretching
The stretching exercises found in Pilates can release tight muscles and improve flexibility. This can be especially helpful when stress has caused physical tension in the body. Aim to take your time to perform the stretches, letting go of any thoughts or worries that come to mind. This can help to reduce stress levels while also improving your physical flexibility.
5. Switch Up Your Exercises
When it comes to Pilates, there is an endless variety of exercises to choose from. This can be very beneficial when it comes to combating stress. To keep things interesting and provide yourself with a challenge, it’s a good idea to switch up your exercises and focus on different areas of the body.
6. Include Relaxation Exercises
When attempting to reduce stress, it’s important to include some relaxation exercises into your Pilates routine. This can include techniques like deep breathing, body scanning, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation. By leaving out some time for relaxation, you can help your body to relax and reduce any feelings of stress.
7. Block Out Distractions
Turning off your phone and taking some time away from any digital devices can be beneficial for reducing stress. Allow yourself some time to focus solely on your Pilates practice and take this time to make the practice solely about you. Taking yourself away from any distractions can also aid in the discovery of deeper layers of relaxation and concentration.
8. Set Goals and Track Progress
When it comes to relieving stress, setting achievable goals and tracking your progress can be helpful. This can include setting daily goals for yourself or tracking your improvement over a longer period of time. It can be very encouraging to have proof of your progress and a sense of accomplishment.
9. Keep Things Simple
When attempting to reduce stress with Pilates, it’s important to not become overwhelmed with complicated exercises. Start with beginner exercises and add complexity as you progress. Do not be tempted to add more difficult exercises if your body does not feel ready for them. Take your time and build up gradually.
10. Reward Yourself
As with any new routine, it’s important to celebrate successes and reward yourself for achieving goals. This can be something small like a special treat or a massage after a successful session. Rewarding yourself for your achievements can be a great way to stay motivated and stay on track.
By following these steps, you can make Pilates a part of your regular routine and reap the many benefits it can provide. Not only can it help improve your physical health, but it can also help reduce stress and improve your overall mental wellbeing. If used properly, it can be an incredibly powerful tool for stress relief.
