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Election Stress Relief
A 2-Minute Relaxation for Your Face and Scalp
Try our body scan to find a moment of calm — right now
As we approach Election Day, Elemental is bringing you a progressive body scan for stress relief (also known as progressive muscle relaxation therapy; read more about the science behind it here) Each day, you’ll focus on and relax one part of your body to find a moment of presence and calm. Today, we dial in to the face and top of the head. Find earlier installments here (for the feet), here (for the legs and lower back), here (for the core), here (for the chest), here (for the arms and hands), and here (for the neck and jaw). Check back tomorrow for the full-body scan, including an audio recording so you can try it all with your eyes closed.
Pause.
Take a long inhale…
Exhale and sigh out.
Take a moment to tune in to yourself as the outside world continues to turn.
Take a moment to bring your attention to your nose.
Notice if it feels cold or warm.
Inhale to scrunch your nose, and exhale to release.
One more time: Inhale to scrunch the nose…
And exhale to release.
Feel the nose soften.
Let the cheeks soften.
Let the ears relax as you try to internally tune out the world and tune in to yourself.
Bring awareness to your eyes.
Inhale…
Exhale gently and close the eyes for three breaths.
Three, two, one…
Open the eyes, but keep them soft.
Feel the lids connect with every gentle blink.
Release tension in the muscles around the eyes.
Release the sides of the face and the temples and ears.
Inhale…
Exhale…
Release the space between the brows.
Bring awareness to the crown of your head and the roots of your hair.
Feel a tingle of energy down your back.
With every inhale, breathe the peaceful energy of relaxation from the face down into the rest of the body.
Create a wavelike vibration of peace all around the crown of the head.
Release the thoughts and focus all your awareness on this relaxation and awareness.
Let everything pass you by like floating clouds in the sky.
Create a space of slow motion around you.
Repeat this affirmation either out loud or in your head: “My thoughts and fears do not define me.”
Inhale… and exhale.
Let go.
Close your eyes.
