Relax and Re-energize NOW!
Posted: Friday, September 02, 2011
by MariAnna Bantell
LoveBeingAGrandma.com
Do you seem to be spending your life juggling your many responsibilities and relationships? As mothers, wives, grandmothers, employers, employees, volunteers, helpers and listeners, women seem to take on the cares of the world. Here are a few things you can do to create a more relaxed and energized state of mind.
When the world begins to close in around you, stop what you're doing and take three deep breaths. Breathing deeply relaxes the mind and body. It sounds simple, but it works.
Smile and Laugh. Smiling makes us feel more optimistic and makes others respond more positively to us. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter is a very powerful stress-reduction tool. Laughter soothes and calms the body while stimulating our immune systems and relieving pain. So - go watch a comedy, meet up with friends, or learn a new joke, and you will feel less stressed.
Go out and play! Really, even 10 minutes playing with a child, pet, soccer ball, or hula hoop will help your body release 'feel good' chemicals and shift you into a calmer and happier state.
Take a warm bath or shower. Hit the pool and sauna at the gym. Go to the beach. Sit near a river or lake. Water is relaxing for the body and spirit.
Look at photos of your loved ones, a lovely landscape, or piece of artwork that inspires you. Purposely gazing at something that is beautiful will make you relax.
Talk to a friend. Sometimes just telling someone who cares about you that you are feeling stress is all it takes to feel better instantly.
Try a mini-massage. Put a little lotion on your hands and rub them deeply. This can feel very relaxing. Try rubbing your face to relax the muscles of your forehead, mouth and jaw.
Listening to music that you love decreases the levels of adrenalin and increases serotonin. It has the power to reduce pain and relieve depression. Let a beautiful song carry away stress and transport you into a feeling of peace.
Visualize how it would feel to be in a place you love. Maybe you're at the beach, at a spa or hiking in the woods. Imaging feeling the sun on your skin, hearing the waves crash along the beach or watching the birds flying overhead. Our bodies respond quickly to our thoughts. When you visualize yourself relaxing, you will actually feel more relaxed.
So - next time stress sets in, you know what to do. Have a relaxing stress-free week
MariAnna Bantell
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I'm signing up for that massage....
All very good suggestions MariAnna. I am considering a Yoga class this week. I understand it works amazingly well for relaxation.
Starting with the basic examples - breathing, water, smile and laugh, and then going to the more complicated, even in the reading, I got more relaxed. There is something about just contemplating these things that has a positive effect. I need to go around with a more productive method of giving myself the relief I seek. Thanks for your wonderful article.
Yours, Christofer
hi mariAnna, (4 stars-still getting used to this new system)
i have tried many of these, and you are so right, they do work.
when i remember to do them!
thanks for sharing these very useful tips,
my best regards,
sue
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