Relieve Worry with Alexander Technique

 

It might, at first, strain your credulity to believe that thinking about one’s neck, head, torso, and limbs would be helpful for worrisome thoughts! It is possible, however, to relieve worry with Alexander Technique.

When we worry, we express our worry physically, in the way we hold our heads, necks and shoulders, fretting and clutching in our hands, etc. That’s how we experience worry.

When we think our Alexander directions repeatedly, with the intention of relieving the physical expression of our worry (our excess muscle tension), the experience of worry is substantially relieved. It’s not magic — it takes some effort, intention, and time; we must “work” at it, mentally. But it does reduce the experience of worry and makes it manageable. Because we have these tools to affect the experience, it is not so overwhelming, and we are not so helpless as we might have been without the tools.

I think part of the success of these efforts has to do with the fact that, by giving ourselves good advice (i.e., the directions) and repeating the directions in order to get some relief, we are in essence standing by/sticking with ourselves in a positive, helpful way. We are befriending ourselves.

Having a routine for befriending one’s self in times of trouble is an invaluable thing. One of the worst things about being overcome with worry is that we feel isolated, alone with our troubles. Availing oneself of the directions is like relying upon your second self, who expresses concern and administers aid. Ultimately, that’s a pretty big deal.

Whether you use the directions to soothe an aching back, a worried mind or a broken heart, knowing how to do this is useful knowledge, and having that second self to rely on is very special.

So, this explanation of we can relieve worry with Alexander Technique is another way of emphasizing that AT makes you feel better, in every way. It is very satisfying and cheering to be able to help yourself. You not only feel as though you have a good friend — but you also have the satisfaction of being a good friend, to yourself.