Stress. Do you feel it? In your neck? In your shoulders? Taking over your body?
As I listen to my 16-month-old call out “Mom” after her too-short nap, I feel it. I’ve felt it the past few days. Because I am stressed. Really. Like every other mom, I’m shuffling schedules, preparing meals, working, cleaning. Oh! And I’m pitching, writing, planning events. And SHOPPING! Yes, my friends, this is the one time of the year when shopping loses its fun and excitement. Suddenly, even shopping, which so often is a chance to relax and release, is stressful.
Moms. We need to destress when we don’t; it’s very possible that we’ll get more stressed. Or sick. Or just sick and tired. (Want proof? I came down with Shingles last spring in a crazy, stressful period.)
I used to destress at my pilates class. But lately, I’ve been bringing my Droid in with me, turning off the sound, and checking my emails about halfway through class. Friday, I accidentally left my phone in the car. I almost ran outside to grab it, but the class gets really full, and I didn’t want someone stealing my coveted spot next to the mirror.
I entered Pilates without my phone! I laid down. I listened to the quiet chatter around me. And when the instructor came in and turned down the lights, I started breathing: In through the nose… out through the mouth. I. Was. Just. Breathing.
By the time the instructor had us laying down, I could sense a difference in my body. I felt every piece of my vertebrae release and relax. And then…
I opened my eyes. The lights were on. Classmates were rolling up mats and chatting again. I had slept through Pilates class.
Perhaps they need to introduce a sleeping class at the gym this month. In the meantime, I’m introducing a new rule for me: no cell phone at Pilates. And? Perhaps I’ll get a little more sleep on Tuesday before my next class.
