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ayurvedic
lifestyle newsletter
february
2008
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how
to relax
These
days, we rush around like mad, trying to get from
point A to point B in half the time it takes to
blink. Schedules are hectic, we are constantly plugged
into the world through cell phones and other technology,
and as a whole, we as a nation are taking less and
less vacation! How can we possibly be anything OTHER
than stressed??
A
MySpace friend recently asked me for tips on how
to relax, and I thought that the topic would make
a great blog entry. I think that, as a whole, we
humans are very quickly forgetting what it means
to relax. This is detrimental to our health and
our state of mind. So here are some recommendations
for easing the stress and tension in your life.
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take
your vitamins! Studies have proven that adequate
vitamins, especially vitamin B, help to reduce stress.
Consult your doctor for the correct supplements
for you.
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get
regular massages. Yes, this can add up in the
pocket book, but if you can afford it, do it! Massage
is so amazing at reducing stress. If you can't
afford to get a professional massage on a regular
basis, learn to massage yourself. Even rubbing your
tired feet at the end of the day will help to relieve
some tension. We recommend Remember Oil for tense
muscles.
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take
a bath! After you've made dinner, and put
the kids to bed, take 20 minutes for yourself and
just soak in the tub. Add some nice smelling bath
salts in a scent that is relaxing to you, and just
soak the days stress away.We recommend Lull-a-bye
Botanical Salts for leaving behind a stressful day.
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meditation
is a proven method of relaxation. It can help reduce
blood pressure, and has many health benefits above
and beyond simply relaxing. (See our blog on meditation)
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just
breathe. When we get stressed, we tend to breathe
rapidly form our chests. Be conscious of your breathing.
Take deep breaths from your diaphragm when you remember
or think of it.
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stretching
can be extremely beneficial. As we become stressed,
our muscles tense up. A simple stretch or two can
really help the body relax a bit, even if your mind
is still in high gear.
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exercise.
There are so many health benefits to exercise. Google
alone will give you 116,000,000 results on the benefits.
Yes, relaxation and stress relief are just two of
those benefits. Find the time. You'll see it's
worth it.
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drink
tea. Teas such as chamomile are known to relax
smooth muscle tissue. In this way, they are useful
in such things as calming a nervous stomach and
promoting stress relief.
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have
sex! Obviously, this should be with a partner
you trust. However, sex can relieve tension unlike
anything else. The connection we have with our partners
during sex is unparalleled, and can help us share
and release our stress in a "constructive"
manner.
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shift
your focus. This may seem minor, but sometimes
a shift in perspective can really unload some stress.
When the bills start to pile up, I try to remember
to be grateful for them. I know that sounds strange,
but a PG&E bill means I have a warm home. A
water bill means I have running water, when so many
people do not. A pile of laundry means I have clothes
to wear, towels to use, and sheets to put on a very
comfy bed that I get to sleep in every night. It
might seem odd, but even that shift in focus can
relieve some of the stress sometimes.
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Whatever
you do, find a way to relax. Your health depends
on it!
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