TENSE?

Unclench your jaw.
Stretch high.
Touch your toes.
Roll and relax your shoulders.
Adjust your posture.
Breath in.
Hold.
Release.
Repeat.

TOTEMS AS TOE-KINS

Anxiety and depression often stem from sub-conscious thoughts. And subconscious though they may be, they manifests themselves in very physical ways. For some it starts as pain in the shoulders. For me, it starts as that thing that makes me forget to eat. Left unchecked it can totally kill my appetite and lock me into a negative feedback loop of a malnourished body trying to maintain course while depriving itself from the very thing that will give it the fuel to thrive.

Now, a totem won't cure or fix this, but it may give you a tool that will help you fix your attention on the source of your tensions. It can provide a physical reminder to stay grounded (or to eat something) and help you physically refocus that building energy as you embrace your concerns rather than run from them.*

HOW IT WORKS: Slip your totem in your sock or shoe and give your toes a little company. Every time you feel it move around or you have to move it to fit your should more comfortably, repeat the process above – better yet, come up with one of your own. Obviously, if there is any discomfort you should remove the totem and find a less invasive place to hold your reminder.

*If you or anyone you know is struggling with anxiety and depression, please seek professional help and guidance. There is no substitute for a trained therapist's perspective and insight. Totems are merely an anxious boi's way of managing and maintaining practices that helped him form a more manageable relationship with his emotions and stressors.

I HARDLY KNOW HER!