Happy Thanksgiving! As the holiday seasons approach--finding ways to relax and taking a few peaceful moments--can make a huge difference. Consider the following ideas--whatever ones appeal to you are are medically safe for you to engage in: TEN WAYS TO RELAX 1. Get a massage--to let go of muscle tension and worry and to help your body remember to tune into those feelings of relaxation. 2. Practice focused relaxation--Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Support your neck and back with pillows if you like. Scan your body and notice where there is tension or discomfort. Breathe slowly into those areas. Imagine relaxation flooding into the areas of discomfort. 10 minutes a day can help. 3. Meditate--Silently repeat a word that has little emotional meaning for you--such as "one". Give it your full attention. Let thoughts flow through, and return to your focus word again and again--letting the thoughts release, and filling your mind with peace. 4. Practice abdominal breathing--Inhale slowly through your nose. Exhale completely, squeezing the belly comfortably in. Begin by practicing 5 minutes at a time. Try it when you feel anxious or can't sleep. 5. Soak in a warm bath--Add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender or ylang-ylang to your bath for relaxation. Or just soak your feet. Add a tablespoon of Epsom Salts to a basin, or 1/2 a cup of Epsom salts to a bathtub of warm water and enjoy--is relaxing and releases toxins! (Be aware of allergies or sensitivities. Not for children. Not for pregnant women or for people who are in fragile health without an MD's OK) 6. Consider Biofeedback--Check in to see if there are professional biofeedback practitioners in your area to help you develop self-regulation over the mental and physical processes associated with stress related medical disorders. 7. Take a nap--even if only for 10 minutes 8. Take a warm shower--As the water rushes around your neck, slowly and gently drop your neck forward and stretch it from side to side. Then circle your shoulders slowly and comfortably forward and backwards under the warm water. 9. Try repeating a positive suggestion--such as "shoulders free" or "neck relaxed". Repeat the phrase, but don't strain or do anything at all but say the phrase. This brings an idea into your mind which may gently support muscle relaxation. 10. Consider taking a yoga class--Many people find yoga increases relaxation and relieves many of the effects of stress. ENJOY! Adapted from Client Education for Self Care--Information for People
1 Comment
|
AuthorEnjoy! Also see the 2021 Blogs. Archives
December 2022
Categories |