How to fight stress, neck and back pain, and overall live happily ever after?

How to fight stress, neck and back pain, and overall live happily ever after?

That's pretty strong, isn't it? And you expect my first sentence to be somehting like: "another way advertizing misleads us". 

Well, my friends, not at all, not at all. 

I wanted to write about Alexander Technique. This is a seemingly simple, but very powerful way to learn to use your body in a proper and efficient way. We can relearn the way we used to move when we wree children (and started loosing it at about age 3)

Alexander technique is most well known by performing artists (actors, dancers, musicians, singers), and is often advertized that way. 

However, ANYONE can benefit from it. We are used to hunch over sitting at a computer, for example, and show me one person who doesn't have at least a slight discomfort after working on a computer for 2 hours straight? And there shouldn't be any discomfort, not to mention pain. 

Technique was created by Australian Actor Frederic Mattias Alexander, (hence the name). Main idea: we engage way too many muscles in our body to perform the simplest task. Imagine: you have to pick up a needle, but you use a force enough to lift a hummer. That way additional - and unnecessary - tension is created,  which leads to stress in our body. 

Alexander Technique is NOT a massage, NOT a work out, yet NOT a gimmick. Alexander Teacher isn't DOING anything to you. S/he is giving you cues, that you follow. 

Best part - you can eventually learn to use the principles on your own.  There are private practicioners who give Alexander Lessons, they should have proper education and be members of American Society for Alexander Technique.  You can search for a cetified teacher by area, when you google the Society.

If you ever decide to take ALexander Lessons, it usually brings better  -and faster results - if you can commit to at least 10 lessons, and take them as batch, every day would be best. Every other day - second best. Most likely you will need more lessons, but if you happen to "feel the difference" - you'll be hoocked.

It's a difference in your body that reflects on your emotions and actions. it's as if "the better part" of you is now taking over. You are at ease with yourself and the world, yet you are not a jello-like relaxed substance, it's very different feeling than after a massage - you are very alert and ready to act on a moments' notice. You are less tired or not tired at all! Back pain / neck pain (if you had one, of course ) - is gone... Sleep is better (if you ever had issues)... You have wonderful posture... List can go on. 

What does Alexander Technique give you as an agent? Aside from all marvelous benefits I just described,

• it can easily fit into your schedule 
• you won't need any specific uniform to carry with you
• you won't sweat after it (so don't need to leave extra time for shower and overall "getting ready" routine), 
• you will feel at your best  afterwards, so can safely go for a lesson before a tough negotiation. 
• And most of all: even though we can't eliminate STRESS from our lives, and especially work, we can change how we react and deal with it. Alexander Technique does help. 

In Boston Metro West area there are 2 prominent schools: Alexander Technique School New England (ATSNE) in Amherst, and Alexander Technique Training Center (ATTC) in Newton Center. You can contact them for more information. Otherwise - Google is our best friend...

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have as well. I took several lessons, it helped me get rid of backpain. I'm actually thinking about taking lessons again... Hence, the post...

Anna Glebova

REALTOR®

If you are looking for an agent to help you buy or sell a home

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