Hi Reader
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while I’m not a mental health professional, I am someone who sees daily how stress, trauma, and pain are all deeply connected.
As a physical therapist, I treat more than muscles—I treat people. And what I’ve learned is this:
Pain is both physical and emotional—especially when it’s been lingering for months (or years).
Whether the injury was traumatic or just gradually took a toll over time, chronic pain can change your mood, sleep, and quality of life. And when life gets stressful, that pain tends to flare up again.
You may have heard the phrase “the body keeps the score.” It’s true. Your body remembers pain, even when your mind tries to push through it.
But there’s good news:
We don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle.
Movement, mindfulness, and even small outdoor moments can help reduce pain and lift your mood.
🌱 Weekly Mobility & Mindfulness Tip
Get outside. Seriously. That’s it.
This week, I encourage you to go for a short walk, sit on a bench, or even just stretch in the sunshine.
Here are 3 easy stretches you can do outside to move more mindfully:
🌤️ Standing Side Stretch – Lift your arms overhead, grab one wrist and gently lean to the side. Breathe deeply.
🌳 Seated Forward Fold (on a bench) – Sit tall, then gently lean forward over your knees and let your arms hang. Let gravity do the work.
🌼 Neck & Shoulder Roll – Roll your shoulders slowly back and down, then gently tip your ear to your shoulder. Switch sides.
Bonus points if you do this while listening to the birds.
🧘🏾♀️ Did You Know?
- Over 60% of people with chronic pain also experience symptoms of depression.
- Up to 90% of people with PTSD report chronic pain.
- Mindful movement—even just 10 minutes—can ease both physical tension and emotional stress.
Even where you stretch matters—outdoor movement feels more calming, which can lead to better stress relief (Mental Health & Prevention Journal, 2019).
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or emotionally low, please don’t just “tough it out.”
Talk to a trusted doctor or reach out to a licensed mental health provider.
You are not alone, and your health—mental and physical—matters.
🤲🏽 Need more support?
Assisted stretching is a great tool to help reduce muscular tension during stressful seasons. Whether it’s your neck, hips, or back—relief is possible, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
If you have questions about chronic pain, injury recovery, or how to ease into movement again,
just reply to this email. I’m happy to help guide you.
Wishing you more ease, breath, and movement this month.
You deserve it.
Warmly,
Natasha Bacheyie Taylor, PT, OCS
Owner, Black Star Physical Therapy and Wellness
P.S. Share this with someone who could use a moment of calm. Let's normalize caring for our bodies and our minds. 💚
