Your Friendly Reminder to Drop Your Shoulders
By Valeria Medina
Image by Elle Klaus
I recently found out from a friend that I carry stress on my shoulders.
I was shocked. I thought it would be a couple more years before I had to start worrying about things like that. The truth of the matter is, I’ve always been anxious. Even as a child, my mind constantly circulated regrets and what-ifs.
Not much has changed. If anything, it gets worse as we transition to being the sole managers of our lives. Balancing all aspects of life is not an easy task, but in case that isn’t enough, we hold one of our biggest stressors every day. Our phones are constantly bombarding us with everything that's wrong in the world at the moment. They fill our brains with so much information, telling us what we need to eat, wear, do, and how we can always be and do better– all at inconceivable speeds. With no surprise, my anxiety about myself and the world stays constantly fed.
In a world full of different paths, possibilities, and pains, it’s important to remember where you are. Comparison is not only the thief of joy, but also gratitude, self-assurance, and contentment. In other words, it makes you hold tension in your shoulders. I have to remind myself that life is meant to be enjoyed, and I go do just that.
I sit and think through my mental to-do list with my shoulders up to my chin. It isn’t until I regain some self-awareness that I hear my friend’s echo in my head and drop my shoulders. I make myself my favorite tea and drink it with my favorite show on TV. I call my friends to rupture the tension building in my mind with a laugh and talk about things that don’t matter. I worship stupidity and seek to keep my laughter exercised.
No matter the circumstance or what’s stressing you out at the moment, remember to let what’s out of your control go. Trust yourself enough to believe that everything will work out, slow down, and give yourself grace — it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Let the worries flow in the wind for just a moment. Enjoy your coffee or tea, watch your show, play video games, and spend time with people who make you laugh. And for the love of God, please drop your shoulders.
