Carlotta Colombo and Roberta Padovese have written about time-tested tools to get through some of the most stressful moments of their lives. On Tuesday October 7, Colombo and Padovese demonstrated the techniques written in their book to the Florentine locals of the Palazzi Community Center. Born out of the pandemic, “Oltre lo stress” is a book about the importance of focusing on one’s mental health and physical well-being.

“I think because there are so many challenges nowadays both in the global world but in our everyday lives,” Padovese said. “Easy solutions, easy tools to go beyond these emotions that sometimes are overwhelming is what inspired me to write this book with Carlotta.” 

The book provides step-by-step instructions teaching readers how to perform stretches and exercises to relieve stress and physical tension. With exercises performed over the course of 21 days, Colombo and Padovese hope to enforce lasting mental and physical improvements in their readers.

“We have thought about our journey, and scientists say it is the minimal time to gain a habit, so we prefer to do 21 days… you reinforce that kind of resilience,” Colombo said.

Throughout the event, Colombo and Padovese explained the importance of these techniques. Members of the community joined together in full-body stretches, touching their hands to their knees to stay active and release physical tension. 

“We have positive points, and it is ESR, emotional stress release,” Colombo said. “You simply put your finger– index and third finger– on the prefrontal points and you don’t massage, you stay there until you feel a pulsation. Sometimes they both synchronize, and at some point the blood goes to the brain and you feel more relaxed, calmer. It’s a quick tool.”

In the future, Colombo and Padovese hope their techniques can reach a larger demographic of readers. Both feel that self-care techniques such as the kind listed in their book can help everyone reach a calmer mental and physical state.

“I think it is great for young men now, I hope they can feel the effects of being vulnerable but also finding tools,” Colombo said.

To wrap up the event, Colombo, Padovese and the participants danced to “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies. Locals danced and smiled around the patio.. As a book inspired from a period of isolation, Colombo and Padovese emphasize the importance of community events, such as those found at the Palazzi Community Center and their Facebook group. 

“Connections,” Padovese said. “For example in the Facebook group between us and the people that were following the group, but also the international connections. So a more closer community, but also a global community.”