Sophrology autumn colors are enchanting us, the festive season is approaching... and let's face it, fatigue is making itself felt...
How can we stay motivated for our training sessions? Where can we find a helping hand to cope with stress and other everyday hazards?
How does sophrology work?
Sophrology is an approach to personal development which aims to help you (re)find balance and feel good about yourself. Inspired by meditation and yoga techniques, it focuses on body awareness, sensations and emotions. In individual or group sessions, from the age of 6 or 7 (the age when we really become aware of our bodies), we seek to refocus, let go and anchor ourselves in the present.~Noémie's enthusiasm for her job is obvious: “It's super gratifying. You can see how people progress, how they feel better from session to session... Bringing well-being is magic!” For her, “sophro” is a helping hand when you're feeling low on energy or down in the dumps: “When you feel good in your pumps, in your body, life is more beautiful!”We won't contradict her!
Podcast sports tips
Sophrology - the benefits of practice.
Les Conseils de Sophrology is the podcast that accompanies you in your sporting activities, helps you start or resume sport, and proves that physical activity is above all fun! Thanks to experts and the sharing of life experiences, each episode helps you answer a question you've been asking yourself.
That's why we're talking to Sylvie Cherrier, Sophrologist/Relaxologist, about sleep, stress and anxiety. We'll be talking about sleep, stress and anxiety. We'll also discuss sleep disorders and insomnia.
Dynamic sophrology, one of the 2 branches of sophrology
Depending on your needs, the sophrologist guides you through exercises to relax, stimulate or relieve pressure. Relaxation exercises - or relaxation Sophrology - are generally performed lying down or sitting up.
As for dynamic relaxation exercises designed to release pressure or stimulate you, they are best performed seated or standing. As you can see, when the aim is to stimulate the person, we speak of dynamic sophrology.
What do we mean by “stimulation”? Dynamic sophrology relies on playful techniques based on gestures, breathing and visualization of body zones.
For the sophrologist, with this personal work: “Action calls for action. We're going to wake up the muscles, get the body moving.”
How can dynamic sophrology help you start exercising?
You may recognize yourself or some of your friends: sometimes it's hard to push open the door of a gym. Whether you're not a sportsman or woman, or you're returning to sport after a prolonged break, what may be trivial for some can be a source of anxiety for others.
Sophrology will try to understand the “block” and unblock it. Examples of exercises? “Breathe normally, then gradually speed up your breathing. You'll feel the energy flowing through your body as your heart rate increases. Other exercises focus on awareness of each part of the body - from head to toe. The person is led to contract them, then release them, while concentrating on their sensations.
It's a virtuous circle: getting moving, developing self-awareness leads to greater harmony.
Dynamic Sophrology for the well-being and performance of athletes
Meditation has found its place in the routine of experienced and professional athletes. My swimming coach never neglected this aspect at the end of training sessions, and the whole team appreciated it!
Today, it's hardly surprising that top athletes turn to sophrologists. If we're not talking about deep muscle work, we're talking about other aspects: “When sport is a profession, Sophrology, people are faced with challenges and pressures. The aim is to improve well-being, but also efficiency.
We work on mental preparation, stress management before sporting competitions or improving concentration on a goal.
For professional athletes, listening to the body is important: we learn to know our limits, not to turn a blind eye to muscular tension, to avoid injury for example. “
What happens during a session?
A session lasts one hour. In general, we schedule a session every 15 days or every month, for as long as you wish.
At the very first session, Sophrology, the aim is to understand your expectations and define the method that's right for you. Then it's off to the exercises!
And in between, you're back to the joy of homework.
Don't worry, there's nothing restrictive about it: simple exercises should be repeated to prolong the feeling of well-being.
The sophrologist sometimes redirects people to doctors to meet their expressed needs.
“Sophrology is not about healing; it's about learning to manage what can be managed. It's not medicine, it's a well-being technique.”
Where and how can I follow dynamic sophrology sessions?
You can find phone applications, videos on the Internet or DVDs. Of course, you'll benefit from more personalized advice if you meet with a professional sophrologist.
We advise you to choose a state-recognized person, registered with the RNCP: registre national des certifications professionnelles.
A final word of advice from Noémie: “The first contact is important. Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel confident? If not, don't hesitate to look elsewhere :). “
Bonus: a dynamic relaxation exercise
And because so many of us are affected by stress, we're sharing an exercise with you :)
Take a few minutes for yourself:
Standing with your feet slightly apart, breathe in and imagine you're carrying a suitcase in each hand. Put your problems, all your current concerns, into these suitcases. Can you visualize the scene? GOOD. Raise your shoulders and feel the weight of those suitcases, then exhale, releasing your shoulders and your worries. Let go of everything! Is that better? Repeat the exercise as often as you feel the need.