Body Scan for the BEST SLEEP Ever

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I’m not a scientist or a doctor or your mom, so I can’t give my professional take on what this meditation can do for your health. What I can do is tell you how much this meditation has hugely benefited my life as well as post what professionals on the internet claim the benefits are.

How I understand it, this kind of body scan meditation tells your amygdala that it’s okay to relax. The amygdala is the thing that puts you in fight or flight, so if you’re in a fight or flight loop for an extended period of time, this may do wonders for you. I’ve heard it described as a “massage for your nervous system” and I think that’s a perfect way to describe it. For a long time, my nervous system was heightened to a point where it perceived EVERYTHING (and I mean everything from my clothes to my pillow to the home I lived in) to be a threat. The more I had life threatening reactions to the normal things around me, the more heightened I got / the more I reacted to more and more innocuous things. These kind of body scans immediately get me out of a spiral and safely back into my body, where I can turn off the fear and balance my lymbic system. That’s my experience, and it makes me want to share it with anyone and everyone it can possibly benefit / bring some relief.

What professionals say the benefits are:

1. makes your brain bigger. It measurably grows the parasympathetic part of your brain, your prefrontal cortex, while reducing the amygdala, the fight or flight sympathetic part of the brain.  Since your prefrontal cortex ties to things your ability to learn, make complex decisions, retain short term information and show empathy, growing this part of the brain is key!
2. improves your sleep. It increases the natural creation of melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates sleep and ties to the speed of aging.  Regular body scan meditation can help with insomnia and help you fall asleep. 
3. helps you change destructive behaviors/patterns.  As you practice, you cultivate your ability to see that you are something so much more than your brain, emotions and body.  Over time, this enables you to see your thinking and behavior patterns more clearly, moving you from reacting in situations to being able to respond with actions and words that are aligned with your high self, your authentic self.
4. improves your health.  Studies have shown that the regular practice of body scan meditation helps boost your immunity, reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, lower blood pressure and more.  Patients regularly practicing in conjunction with conventional treatment had improved progress with diseases like breast cancer, diabetes, asthma and depression.  Meditation used in the workplace has also led to studies that show reductions in healthcare costs for companies – no surprise, as 80% of expenditures are for stress-related ailments.
5. reduces stress.   We live a life full of stressors, our body unable to distinguish between the stress of a tiger about to attack us and the stress over a job interview.  Body Scan meditation helps us break out of this mode and move back to a place of calm.  Through our practice, we learn how to distance ourselves from what is causing our stress and our patterned responses to it.  Our ability to concentrate and be in the moment improve.  We stop producing stress-related hormones like cortisol, which tie to improved sleep, improved mood and better weight management.  We move back to a balanced place from which we can truly thrive.

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This fitness channel is for your entertainment. While I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, I'm not a doctor or your mom! Workout programs should be tailored to your individual needs. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk (so don’t even think about suing me)! I (Rachel Gulotta) will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of my fitness videos or information that I share. This includes emails, videos, and text. See a fitness professional to give you advice on your exercise form. Thanks for not suing me!
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Today I thought about you, not even knowing this was coming up today. I went for a walk and remembered how happy I was and still am doing your videos. And also how much you inspired me to always do what's best for us and our bodies - rest, take care of our health, mental and physical. I was literally just getting into bed and saw this. I can't even believe the coincidence. The world is a beautiful place, sometimes.
I hope you're doing better 💖

carolinamonteiro
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can we listen to this tonight instead of gilmore girls???

DanielInskeep
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Omg you’re back! I hope you’re feeling better! ❤

avapasson
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I'm so glad to see you again Rachel! We missed you so much! I've still been doing the 30day challenges and 2 week challenges. We all hope you're feeling better!

emyu
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Rachel- I love these new videos you’re doing!!

Jessica-mfkv
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SENT THIS TO MY BESTIE who isn't very tight with sleep xx

lilmissbeats
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I had to come out of my ultra relaxed state to say THAT WAS AWESOME, I had an absolutely awful day and this completely shifted my state of mind, and now I listen again so I can go to sleep for real this time

MKNYC_
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omg yassss! Love this! BODY REFRESH? I'm in. Body scans are boss! I suffered from insomnia most of my life from toddler to young adult. Thing shifted for me when I found tools that worked (like not eating close to bed and lil mind hacks in bed, and working out during the day to be physically ready for sleep). THANK YOU rachel for sharing your tools!

lilmissbeats
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So glad to see that you're back, Rachel! 🥰🥰

ArronJiaEn
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i have been procrastinating on prepping for a concert tomorrow (literally havent packed anything while i have to leave in less than 12 hrs) because i am SO nervous so i'm gonna do this.

edited: ok that was so good and my head feels so clear :")

reinehahaha
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I've been dealing with nightmares and a decent number of minor medical issues that are building up into a problem.
I'll try this tonight.

TheNinjaInConverse
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For some reason when I looked last night all the channel's videos were gone??? And I was distraught because this is my LIFELINE when i can't sleep and I am SO glad it's back 🙏

_redstrawberry
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thank you for this. i've tried yoga nidra because of you and i will try this. have a good weekend, rachel ♡

reinehahaha
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missed you on here rachel! i hope you are doing better <3

rachelcha
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for a few days, i was wondering what happened to you and that vdeo had me worried, i hope you're doing better now <3

birb