You know that feeling when you’re so deep in the zone—so fully absorbed in your work—that hours slip by like seconds? Yeah, me too. I thrive in that space where creativity meets focus, where the passion for what I do fuels those marathon work sessions. And honestly? It feels amazing…until it doesn’t.
Enter: The Right Shoulder Burn.
It doesn’t just creep in. Oh no. It crashes the party like an uninvited guest, all fiery and intense—like someone stabbed a red-hot fireplace poker into my shoulder blade. It’s my body’s not-so-subtle way of saying, “Hey! Maybe stop treating me like a statue and MOVE.”
I’ve learned this pain isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a flashing neon sign that I need to shift gears. And honestly? My goal is to catch it before it ever gets to that “poker” level. Because while I love my work (like, a lot), ignoring my body doesn’t exactly scream clarity, focus, ease, or joy.
And isn’t that why we’re here? To work with pleasure—not just power through pain?
Why Shoulder Pain is Your Brain’s SOS Signal
For high-performance women leaders like us, pain isn’t just physical. It’s a drain on our mental game too. When that fiery shoulder ache kicks in, it’s harder to focus. Creativity takes a backseat. Suddenly, those brilliant ideas get tangled up in the tension.
So how do we stay in flow without frying our bodies? It’s not about working less—it’s about working better.
3 Powerful Ways to Catch the Burn Before It Starts
I’m all about keeping things real and actionable. So here’s what’s working for me:
1. The 60-Minute Move Rule
Set a timer. Yes, literally. Every 60 minutes, it dings. And that’s your cue. Stand up. Stretch. Walk to the kitchen. Refill your water. Do a victory lap around your home office like you just closed a million-dollar deal. Whatever it takes—just move.
(Pro Tip: I set my alarm with a fun sound—like birds chirping or a gentle chime—so it feels like a positive nudge, not a harsh buzzer.)
2. Micro-Stretch Breaks (Because You Deserve Flexibility)
Your body wasn’t built for marathon desk sprints. Try these quick tension relievers:
• Shoulder Rolls (10 slow circles forward and back)
• Neck Tilts (Ear to shoulder, hold for 10 seconds each side)
• Chest Openers (Interlace your fingers behind your back and stretch)
Bonus points if you close your eyes for a second and breathe deeply. Ahh, clarity.
3. Water Breaks = Energy Boosts
Dehydration? Sneaky. It can actually amplify tension (who knew?). Keep a beautiful glass or bottle near you—something you want to reach for—and aim to sip every hour. Water keeps your body energized, your mind sharp, and your skin glowing. Triple win.
The Real Reward: More Pleasure in Your Work
Since committing to these small shifts, I’ve noticed a huge difference. The shoulder pain? Way less frequent. My focus? Sharper. And there’s something so empowering about tuning into my body before it demands my attention.
Because here’s the thing: We’re not just here to work hard. We’re here to lead with clarity, ease, and pleasure. And it starts with taking care of the body that makes it all possible.
Your Turn—Let’s Make This a Movement
What’s your “shoulder burn” moment? That signal telling you it’s time to pause and reset? I’d love to hear your story—and your favorite ways to stay energized and pain-free while leading with power.
👉 Share this blog with another high-performance woman who needs this reminder.
👉 Join us at GreenerThumbs.org for more inspiration, practical tips, and a community of leaders committed to thriving with clarity, focus, and ease.
Let’s keep leading—and feeling good doing it. ✨
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