Acupuncture is one of the things that is the most Helpful (if not the most helpful) things for calming my system. (Honestly, if I could afford it I would go a lot more than I currently go.)

Last time I went, as my therapist was settling me to leave for a bit (as in she puts in the needles and then leaves the room for a while so they can do their thing), she said "now relax that thumb" and gently touched my left Thumb.

I hadn't noticed, at all, that I was Holding it up (imagine lying on your back, hands at your side but your thumb isn't relaxed).  I relaxed it but I wondered how I had not noticed.

So... I've been paying a bit more attention and I keep noticing that I'm holding tension in little ways in my body.  Like this damn thumb.  And often I'll be lying watching some show and I'll tell myself to relax and my entire body will drop like I was holding it up.

So I know we carry stress and tension in our bodies but man, I hadn't realized how subtle it can be.

My thumb needs a rest man!