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Election Stress Relief
A 2-Minute Relaxation for Your Legs and Lower Back
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 legs and lower back. Read the first installment here.
Take a big, deep inhale… and gently exhale.
Let go of anything that is outside of your present moment.
Let go of anything that is simply out of your control, and tune in to what is happening now.
Feel your breath entering the body, and on your exhale, feel the warm air caress your lips.
Let the breath be like an ocean wave of calm. Feel the wave gather in the belly on your inhale, and feel the calm wash over you on your exhale.
Release worry, doubt, or fear.
Bring your awareness to the tops of your legs and your back.
Notice your inner thighs.
Notice the strength and softness between the two legs.
Inhale… and exhale.
Bring your attention to your glute muscles and pelvis.
Breathe into the muscles, and engage the glute muscles and inner thighs.
Inhale a sip more of breath.
Exhale and release any tension, any resistance, knowing that you are safe and you can let go.
Feel the lower back begin to release as you breathe deeper, sending the breath to the space where the back curves into a gentle smile.
Feel the hips release.
Inhale… exhale.
Let go.
Allow yourself to feel the connection from the tops of your legs to the space right below the belly.
Feel yourself connecting to that space, staying present, and recognizing that nothing else matters but this moment and this connection.
Inhale…
And exhale.
Repeat this affirmation, either out loud or in your head: “I am safe and protected.”
