By JACCI GRUNINGER, MS, C-IAYT
Los Alamos

If you find yourself feeling the effects of holiday stress – headaches, stomach upset, tight or tense muscles, sleeplessness try this Inner Relationship Focusing technique called Pausing.

Pausing is a technique to take a moment to notice what is happening and check in with yourself.

First, notice where in your body you are experiencing the stress. I often get tense in my upper traps or my stomach.

Second, notice how you are feeling.

Third (and this is the one that is a little funny/weird), say HELLO to the SOMETHING IN YOU that is feeling stressed.

Lastly, notice how this part of you feels after being acknowledged.

That’s it at least for at home work. You might surprise yourself after trying this technique.

You also can incorporate Pause Breathing into your day as a daily check-in with yourself.

Pause Breath

Sit or lie down in a comfortable place.
Begin to find a smooth, easy breath.
After a few rounds of breath, take a moment to notice any space or pause at the top of your next inhale before your exhale.
Exhale and notice any space at the end of your exhale before your inhale.
Practice this for 3-5 minutes and notice how you feel after.

It might take a few rounds to find the pause but it’s there. With practice the pause will become longer. It’s a quiet space that can help you just be for a few seconds.

Jacci Gruninger is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, Focusing Coach and Facilitated Stretch Practitioner. She regularly helps clients manage the ups and downs of life with yoga, meditation, breathwork, focusing, stretching and bodywork. Her Wellness Center is at 190 Central Park Square #212. For her current in person and online teaching schedule and information on her other services, visit her website at www.highmountainwellbeing.com.