As 2025 begins, you may be approaching it with anxiety, anticipation, angst, purpose, peace, and poise. Pause Now – Close your eyes and reflect:

• How do I really feel about the New Year?
• What do I want to achieve or accomplish?
• Would I best be served by a coach, therapist or guide?
• Is there anything else that comes to mind or heart at this time?

Quite honestly, renewing and or deepening my spiritual practices is what serves me best at this time. Let’s consider your body.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Spirit of Holiness who dwells within you, whom you have received from God, and you are not your own?” – Aramaic Bible in Plain English©2010

Let’s first focus on the Body and the Benefits of Exercise:

1. Releases chemicals called endorphins into the bloodstream, the “feel good” chemicals;
2. Increases self-confidence and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety;
3. Relaxes tense muscles and improves sleep;
4. Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints and helps control weight;
5. Reduces risk of chronic disease.

As always before beginning any form of new exercise, check in with your doctor or licensed health professional. Also, exercise regularly and make it fun. Join a class and/or invite a friend, and you can be accountability buddies!

Forms of Exercise:

• Neighborhood or nature walks; a nearby park, a forested area, the beach or marina,
• Bicycling – stick to the bike lane outdoors, or go to the gym a ride a stationary bike to build up stamina, confidence, and momentum,
• Swimming is excellent for full-body exercise. Swim laps do water aerobics at a gym or fitness facility,
• Golf is a form of whole-body exercise, fellowship, and socializing for all ages, that is energizing and invigorating,
• Tennis, racquetball, or squash are excellent forms of cardio exercise. Both racquetball and squash were my favorite ways to release anger and frustration. I’d just pretend that the ball was my boss’s head and wack it to pieces. When I left the gym, I was energized and triumphant! Honestly, I must resume that practice soon, and very soon!
• Dancing – Ballroom Salsa, Tango, Zumba, and Line Dancing are all FUN ways to exercise and engage with others, 
• Hula Hooping is my absolute all-time favorite way to release stress and have fun doing so!
• Hatha Yoga and Tai Chi are mind-body practices that increase flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination.

Therapeutic Body Work

Massage Therapy is one form of bodywork that relieves stress, encourages relaxation, lowers blood pressure, improves flexibility, strengthens the immune system, and more.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is another form of full body relaxation that reduces pulse rate, blood pressure, and respiration rates. It relieves conditions such as muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. Consistent daily practice will enhance the depth of your relaxation.

Regular therapeutic massage and progressive muscle relaxation are self-care practices to release stress, relieve tension, and relax your BodyMindSpiritSoul.

The key to releasing stress is to prioritize self-care, be consistent with a partner or accountability buddy, and reward yourself!

Source: Releasing Stress, Creating Serenity: A BodyMindSpirit Self-Care Primer for Busy Women 2013 by Harriet Tubman Wright, MS, MA.

For more information, download my FREE Self-Care Inventory – The Wright Resort

Elder Harriet Tubman Wright