Self Love Tool Kit
Our health right now depends on hand washing, sanitizing all the surfaces, and keeping our distance BUT equally important is our ability to connect with other humans, to cooperate, to communicate, to be together. When you see someone who is hurt or sad our natural response is touch, when we pass someone in the hallway we are giving an extra eye crinkle to communicate the smile of acknowledgement behind our mask. Even in times of crisis we are wired to find ways to seek out that connection. During this month of February, when all the world is talking about love - I thought it would be nice to give ourselves permission to self love through touch in a nurturing way.
Physical touch is important to our wellbeing.
Holding hands, hugging, cuddling, they’re all pretty good especially when you apply moderate pressure. But what about in the meantime, when you are alone or feeling isolated, or not able to ask for that physical connection.
We have put together a few ways to explore self touch so that you can boost all those feel-good hormones, boost your own immune system, decrease stress naturally.
01. Tapping
This style of self touch combines acupressure with physiology. The idea is that you repetitively tap specific areas of your body while focusing on a sensation/emotion.
TRY THIS:
UNDER THE EYE: Tap the bone directly under your eye. You can tap on one side or both sides simultaneously using your fingertips. Tapping here releases fear and anxiety plus promotes a feeling of calm and safety.
02. Self Hug
OK, ok, we know… at first self hugging can feel a little silly, but with so many benefits it's more silly to not give it a chance!
Improve mood
Reduce pain
Boost feelings of safety/security
Relaxation
TRY THIS:
Place your right hand under your left armpit and cross your left arm over to hold your right shoulder. Give yourself a squeeze and you can try rocking from side to side. Switch up the hold and try with long slow breaths.
03. Self Massage
As a registered massage therapist, I must tell you that nothing beats the real deal ;), but when you stimulate the pressure receptors in your body you target the vagus nerve (responsible for inhibiting cortisol - the stress hormone!) and there’s an increase in serotonin, which is the body’s natural antidepressant and anti-pain chemical. BAM!
TRY THIS: Scalp Massage
Turn your fingers into massage combs and “comb” your whole scalp. Start at the nape of your neck working upwards, from your temple working toward the back, and from your forehead toward the crown of your head. Moderate to deep pressure, go slow, and cycle through a few times.
04. Get Outside
This one is a bit of a stretch as far as the self touch goes, but the benefits of getting outside are so great, that I had to add it in. A change of scenery, fresh air, and exercise plus when you’re walking, you’re stimulating the pressure sensors in your feet!
Take in the sounds and the feeling of sun on your skin.
So, if you can safely touch or hug the members in your bubble/family please do that often. If you want to learn more about connection through touch, please join our Partner Massage Masterclass. Otherwise just take matters into your own hands!
