​To take this exercise a step further:

1. Give that tense energy a color.

2. As you flex and relax, imagine that color draining into the ground and as you retract, start absorbing a clear bright light that's filled with tranquil, positive energy.

3. Inhale when you contract, exhale as you release and expand.

• Try doing this outside on soil with your socks and shoes off to absorb the earth’s healing negative ions, which neutralizes free radicals! This is calling "earthing".

• Not only does being around nature help reduce stress and anxiety, which supports a healthy immune system, getting outside exposes you to a variety of bacteria, which can enhance microbial diversity.