OUR BODY POSTURE, A REFLECTION OF HOW WE FEEL

Our posture reflects how we feel. When we feel tired, we often slump or hang in our ligaments. When we feel good, it usually shows in the spring in our step, and we effortlessly stand up straight. Usually, we don't need to pay much attention to our posture, just like breathing takes care of itself when we feel balanced.

SLOW AND FAST TWITCH MUSCLEFIBERS

All muscles are composed of two types of muscle fibers, slow and fast twitch. The muscles with predominantly slow twitchmuscle fibers, located near the skeleton, are called postural muscles. These muscles work at about 20-30% of their full capacity. They can work for a long time without getting tired, allowing us to sit, stand, and walk without getting fatigued.

The muscles with a predominance of fast twitch muscle fibers are usually more superficial. They work at 75-85% of their full capacity for a short time. For example, when you need to chop wood, you benefit from the fast twitch muscle fibers that give you strength and speed to swing the ax.

MUSCLE TENSION, A DEFENSE MECHANISM

Muscle tension is also one of our defense mechanisms activated when we face difficulties in our lives. Think of the expression "holding your breath with tension" or "pulling yourself together and taking a new approach." This is exactly what happens when we try to gather ourselves to face a difficult situation. We tense our muscles, consciously or unconsciously, and as a result, we slow our breathing. This activates the fast twitch fibers in the more superficial muscles as a sort of preparedness.

If this continues over time, muscle pains naturally arise, circulation worsens, and we receive less oxygen, making us increasingly tired. The fast twitch muscle fibers are not meant to be used for a long time, so we start "holding ourselves up" using fibers that are not meant to perform sustained work. The slow twitch fibers also start to transfer more and more work to the fast twitch fibers, creating a vicious circle.

This has a similar effect to walking on thin ice. Imagine yourself shrugging your shoulders towards your ears and holding your breath when you notice the risk of slipping. When you feel solid ground under your feet again, you can exhale, and your shoulders drop. When you have to "keep yourself up" with the help of fast twitch muscle fibers, it's like constantly walking on thin ice.

GOOD NEWS

One of the benefits of practicing body awareness exercises is that your fast twitch muscle fibers are relieved so that your slow twitch muscle fibers can do their work again. It's also important to be attentive to your body's signals and to rest when needed. The positive thing is that there's always a chance to come back to a gentler way of using your body. The body has an amazing ability to regenerate itself!

THE SUPPORTING FUNCTION OF THE SKELETON

Another advantage of this kind of training is that your skeleton becomes more integrated into your body awareness. The skeleton is the most supportive structure in the body, and the more consciously you can use it, the less muscle tension you need to hold yourself up in life.

You can find simple body awareness exercises in my book, “Regaining Balance, the Swedish Healthcare Method to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Pain".   that support your journey towards feeling better.