How To Relax!

Today is the first day of Summer. We have had a long winter and a cool spring here on the East Coast. Some of us are still trying to pay off the heating bills from those long cold winter months. Not fun! However Summer is tons of fun! So let's get ready to enjoy it , stress free!

Here we are finally, Friday, June 21st, 2013. My question to you is , "How Will You Relax, during these summer months?"

I have decided to take my massage therapy guru knowledge and share some relaxation ideas with you; after all, relaxation is key to reducing stress and its effects. The following tips are easy and enjoyable.

1. Take a warm shower: As the the water rushes around your neck, drop your neck forward and stretch it from side to side. Then circle your shoulders slowly under the hot water.
2. Take a nap, even if it's only for ten minutes.
3. Take a yoga class. Many people find yoga relaxing and it will relieve the many effects of stress.
4. Get a massage. When you relax with massage, you let go of muscle tension, worry and mental confusion. This may be one of the few times you slow down and notice what it feels like to relax. As you tune into your feelings your body and mind will let go of stress and tension.
5. Practice abdominal breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose. Exhale completely, squeezing the belly tight. Begin by practicing for five minutes at a time. Try this when you are anxious or cannot sleep.
6. Try autosuggestion. Frequently repeat a suggestion to yourself such as "Shoulders free" or "Neck Relaxed." repeat the phrase without doing anything else. This will support muscle relaxation.
7. Try biofeedback.. A professional biofeedback practitioner can help you develop self-regulation over the mental and physical processes that are associated with stress-related disorders.
8. Soak in a hot bath. Add several drops of essential oils like lavender or ylang-ylang for relaxation. Or just soak your feet. Add Epsom salts to a bathtub or basin of warm water and enjoy!
9. Try a cleanse plan. Periodic cleansing is like pressing the reset button. You can bring physical, mental and emotional health and well-being to a whole new level. You will feel much more relaxed when you bring the body back to a balanced state.
10. Meditate. Silently repeat a word that has little emotional meaning for you, such as "one." Give it your full attention. When other images or thoughts come to your mind, ignore them and return your focus to the unspoken word. Don't try too hard. Simply let your mind keep coming back to your chosen word again and again as thoughts pass through your mind.

I hope this helps you to have a relaxing summer this year.

Your Wellness Advocate,
 Deana Hodell, LMT
 +1.401.523.4275