According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. A pandemic combined with a bleak winter has proven emotionally costly for our mental health.
With so much unpredictability, how can we continue to take care of our mental health.
Our bodies are equipped to handle small amount of stress. But, stress affects all systems in our body (muscular, hormonal, gastrointestinal, nervous and respiratory) and long term, stress can have serious, long term and debilitating physical effects.
Constant stress can reveal itself in a variety of ways; headaches,
joint pain, chronic inflammation, shallow breathing, digestive issues and long term problems with our heart and circulatory system.
One way to improve mental health is self care through exercise.
The effects on our health, both mental and physical can be experienced immediately and long term.
During this challenging time Pilates can provide a much needed outlet through the basic principles of the practice itself….
Breath
Concentration
Control
Precision
Centering
Body Awareness
Pilates always brings consiousness to the entire system and person, rather than just isolating specific areas. A Pilates environment, when filled with empathy and the insight that each person is unique, is a perfect place for self-discovery, empowerment, and healing.
Check out my upcoming classes to find out how you can learn more about using Pilates as "self care for health care" or download the free "BREATHING FOR BEGINNERS" guide to get started on your own "breath for stress relief" practice today!