“The body holds answers to questions the mind doesn’t even know to ask.” - Erica Hornthal

New Year’s resolutions often bring stress to many adults. So how can we stay grounded and present and truly let ourselves get into the new year spirit?

When humans truly listen to their bodies, we discover movement is life. Movements influence thoughts, which influence our behaviors that make us who we are. During this holiday and new year season, stress is at an all-time high* and that can make many feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious and more.

Contact Erica at https://www.ericahornthal.com/

Chicago-based, Erica Hornthal, “The Therapist That Moves You,” advocates on listening to the body through movement therapy and provides insight on how to get unstuck through the act of moving– a practice anyone with any body type at any age can benefit from.

Hornthal, a board-certified dance/movement therapist, licensed clinical professional counselor, author of Body Aware, a book devoted to the movement, and Founder of Chicago Dance Therapy, says “words can only get you so far.” A whopping 93% of communication is non-verbal so only 7% are actually the words that come out of our mouths. She says, “The body expresses what the mind suppresses and is always ‘talking’ to you. You will never resolve emotional issues without addressing the body that houses them.”

Movement therapy is a catalyst for change to boost mood and to keep calm and carry on, while enhancing cognitive ability and positive memory-making throughout the holiday season. “Movement is an extension of the self, therefore a change in movement impacts the person you are.” Hornthal adds, “change your body and change your mind,” and offers tips on how to get unstuck this season:

1. Begin by breathing. Place one hand on your abdomen and one on your chest. Breathe into those places as if your torso is a balloon and allow it to inflate and then deflate.
2. Stretch… whatever that means for you. Reach into the dimensions around yourself and move your body in a way that feels good.
3. Practice body talk. Ask yourself “how am I feeling these emotions? Where am I carrying the emotions in my body?” From there, ground yourself with your feet planted firmly on a hard surface, especially when you feel people are expecting things from you. It is important to stand your ground, and by planting your feet, you will reinforce that mantra.

“When words alone are not enough- look to and honor the body,” adds Hornthal. “You will feel less stress and more in control, to not only get through this season, but to actually enjoy it!”

*According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increases during the holiday season while National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), reports 64% of people with mental illnesses report increased stress in the months of November and December. Family stressors, money concerns, unrealistic expectations, and a full social calendar can be overwhelming, and many find focusing on oneself during this season is nearly impossible.

Find out more information at her website. https://www.ericahornthal.com/.

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