Filling Your Emotional Gas Tank

By Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT

“The Therapist Who Moves You”
www.ericahornthal.com 
@the.therapist.who.moves.you

These days you may find it harder to stay present, especially when being in the moment reminds us that things are not what they used to be. The inability to be present can lead to a decrease in body awareness which has a huge impact on our movement overall. 
You have the power to slow down, observe, and take action. By challenging your status quo and moving outside your comfort zone you create greater capacity to handle stress and the emotions that come with it. Think of it as your emotional gas tank. Adding to your movement profile, or all the movement at your disposal, creates a larger reserve which means less breakdowns on the side of the road as well as less trips to the gas station. When you increase your movement and body awareness you get more emotional miles per gallon.
So how do you maximize your emotional miles per gallon through movement to support resilience and overall well-being? Here are some tips:
 

1. Bring attention to your movement. 
   1. Take stretch breaks
   2. Find ways of moving other than dancing
   3. Connect to your sense and breath

 

1. Challenge your movement.
   1. Execute tasks with your non-dominant hand
   2. Try on different tempos and rhythms
   3. Move more, not better

 

1. Keep a movement journal.  Reflect on:
   1. How you moved
   2. How it felt
   3. How it was different

 
Looking for more support?
My workbook, Body Awareness for Mental Health, is for you! Rooted in theories and methodologies from the field of dance/movement therapy this workbook is designed for:

• Anyone looking for a more holistic approach to mental health.

• Individuals who have reached a plateau in traditional talk therapy.

• Anyone who has difficulty accessing and processing emotions.

• Anyone who is disconnected from their body due to trauma, anxiety and stress.