Doesn’t it just rock your world to have a satisfying poo? To drop the kids at the pool. Take a break. Do number 2. Pop a squat. Free the turtles. Evacuate. Empty.
If you love poo humor, check out the online slang dictionary. My favorite one? “Park a custard.” What?!
A little humor can go a long way in helping us relax. I used to have a whoopee cushion for surprises during yoga class – it got enough use and started to leak, so it has since been retired.
It’s the weekend!
Weekends can be a great time to relax and set ourselves up for a fulfilling week ahead. A time to recharge.
Yet if we end up too full from the weekend (consuming alcohol, lack of sleep, more heavy foods or sugar than normal, or just too much doing doing doing) we feel heavy and sluggish come Monday. Sometimes literally in the form of feeling our guts shut down. We have consumed more than we can assimilate, digest and eliminate properly.
Last time on the blog, I talked about digestion from a more subtle perspective, using our awareness to help process life transitions and the range of emotions that come along with them.
Everything we experience and consume needs to be broken down, understood and released, otherwise we end up blocked, stuck, and unable to do life how we desire. Click here to read Navigating the New and Different.
Having regular, comfortable digestion and elimination is one essential human function that I love helping people improve. Yes, I ‘talk poop’ with many of my private clients! And today, I’m sharing a few key tips for you to implement easily.
If you’re feeling sluggish, bloated, constipated or have an upset stomach, take action in the key ways below.
Healthy Digestion Tips
* Hydrate! Specifically, first thing in the morning before you have breakfast, have a mug of warm water or tea to help stoke your digestive fire. You can also have a warm cuppa before your meals to prepare your mind, digestive enzymes and senses for what’s on your plate.
* Stand up and reach your arms overhead, and do a few movements laterally, or side bending. Breathe deeply while moving side to side, then bring your arms down and shake it out – whole body jiggling! Then, place your closed fists in your hip crease area and roll down your spine into a forward bend. Let your hands gently press into your lower abdomen, and take 3-6 slow, calm breaths. This should feel pleasant – if it’s tender, move your hands or stop. Stay longer only if your body says, “yes, please” then slowly roll up and drop your arms to your sides. Notice any changes in sensation or posture.
* When we’ve had an indulgent few days, getting back to our usual portions, eating lots of plant-based color and fiber, and reducing sugars and alcohol will all help calm our bowels.
* Lay down on your stomach or left side, and for comfort put a pillow or bolster under your torso and another under your head. Breathe slowly and rest here for 5-15 minutes and imagine each breath like a wave rolling through and relaxing your belly organs. Let gravity take you into a deep state of peace, feeling supported and heavy. Surrender the weight of your body, your thoughts, and your day. When finished, roll side to side gently before making a transition to child’s pose or seated. Slowly open your eyes.
If you need support for your digestion, sustainable energy and finding more inner peace, check out my mini-course, The After Party Guide to a Happy Belly and Body. Get your glow back and getting going regularly.
Hope these tips are helpful, and as always, let me know in the comments how you feel after you put them to work!
Namaste,
Cheri
