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SELF THERAPY FOR NAGGING DAILY STRESS
It is all well
and good when you can get away to a wonderful Spa or Retreat. There
are many
Another great remedy and a more practical one for everyday stress is to practice self-therapy.
Here are a few great suggestions that you can start with right away:
Great for your aching back and muscle tension
Begin by massaging some soothing essential oil or peppermint lotion into your feet. Work those thumbs slowly as you move up the arch. In terms of Reflexology, this area on your feet will correspond with the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine area, respectively.
FYI: The tips of your cute toes correspond with your sinus region. Treat yourself to wide, sweeping movements, working your way up and down your entire foot area. As you land on your toe area, spend some time kneading and massaging with purposeful motions.
TIP: Apply good amounts of pressure for best results.
Cover each and every tiny spot on your feet and toes until your whole body responds with a tingling sensation. Now switch with your buddy and work your way to your back!
Great
soothing workout for your mid-section Wearing loose, baggy clothing, retreat to a quite place and then softly close your eyes. Exhale any of the old, stale air from your lungs and then place your hand below your navel and rest.
Take in deep breaths, slowly, through your nose and feel as your belly begins to expand. As you breathe out, imagine that you are exhaling through your ribcage all the way around. Now repeat this in the same way as you imagine inhaling and exhaling through the kidneys or your mid-lower back.
FYI: When you breathe deeply and purposefully, this is called "belly-breathing." This oxygenates your tired blood and helps you to focus better.
You experience a "calm" signal inside and this diminishes all stress so that you can breathe easier.
For the Multi-Tasker in all of us
You can only be so efficient in your lifetime when your little, inner child starts to call you out to play. Just how serious can life be, after all?
Make a point to get down on all fours and play with your kids today! Grab the silly putty and make some cute little critters. Get the slinky out and remember what awe you felt when you first saw that sucker jiggle its way down your stairs!
Make today the first day for your new outlook. Give yourself permission to feel a new sense of adventure. Get those travel mags out and decide with hubby where you will go next and then start planning and saving!
Do something daring and especially do something that will make you want to just laugh your fool head off!
Do this and you will instantly release tension. Remember that all of this positive play will boost endorphins and increase your "feel-good" factor.
FYI: LOTS
of creative play is what is needed to support optimal wellness of
your body-mind and spirit. A very effective 5 minute relaxation exercise for those on the go
It’s time to tense up! Purposefully clench every muscle in your body, including your fists, abs, teeth, cheeks, shoulders, ears and even your toes!
Hold on to the tension for a full 10 seconds.
Slowly begin to release each muscle one at a time.
As you inhale think of joy, peace, love and friendship.
As you exhale think of those things that cause you stress, one at a time and just let them all go.
FYI: When you visualize the things that you love as well as what causes you stress and then associate that with relaxation breathing, you are cleansing your body of the negative and filling with the positive.
Looking for a good night’s sleep
If you toss and turn at night, unable to empty from your mind, the contents of a busy day, this is a great relaxation exercise for you!
Bring a note book to your bedside.
Turn on slow, soft mood music.
Lie quietly and as thoughts come in to disturb your solace, write them all down.
When you are ready to fall asleep you will have “dumped” all of the noisy thoughts and clatter from your busy day that would serve to steal your sleep from you. Writing it all out helps you to empty your mind of it.
Reread all of your notes making a mental note to release all your cares down a sea of care. Envision each of your worries out on a raft about to hit the waterfall. Watch as the raft is eaten up by the falls and so goes your worries. Return to your peaceful sleep listening to your peaceful music. You will fall asleep peacefully now.
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