Simple Soothers: 6 More Something ...and one for "worriers!"
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
MUSCLE TENSION? ACHING BACK
Try Do-It-Yourself Reflexology.
If you can't get to a licensed Reflexology practitioner, (well-worth the trip!) massage some oil or peppermint lotion into your feet, working thumbs slowly up the arch. In the healing art of Reflexology, this area corresponds to the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine, respectively. Tips of the toes are sinus points, etc. Swap with a friend and revitalize... body & "sole!"
TENSE TUMMY?
Release Your Middle
Softly closing your eyes, exhale any old, stale air from your lungs. Now place your hand below your navel, inhale slowly, through your nose, feeling your belly expand. On the out-breath, imagine exhaling through your ribcage all the way around. Now do the same thing, but imagine inhaling and exhaling through the kidneys. (mid-low back.) Deep, purposeful "belly-breathing" oxygenates the blood, helps you focus and sends a "calm" signal inside, diminishing stress so you can breathe...easy.
JUGGLING ...& STRUGGLING?
Stress Is No Laughing Matter...(Or IS It?)
A case of the giggles reminds us who we are inside when we've been acting grown up for just a little too long! Slinkys...Silly Putty... Remember those? Pick wildflowers, rent silly movies, color, play! A positive outlook, sense of adventure, physical activity, supportive relationships and spontaneous laughter all boost endorphins, increasing the "feel-good" factor, supporting optimal wellness of body-mind-spirit.
GOT 5 MINUTES and NOT-1-MINUTE-MORE?
R-e-l-a-x (...FAST!)
First, clench your whole, entire body: fists, abs, teeth, cheeks (all four), squeeze shoulders to your ears, even curl your toes! Hold for 10 seconds. Slowly release one muscle at a time. Imagine inhaling light, peace, confidence, joy...exhaling worry, stress and tension. Repeat. (Alternate imagery: Exhale things that no longer serve you, inhaling those you'd like to bring into your life.)
TOSSING & TURNING?
Release Head Noise "Write Away"...
Longing for the respite of deep, soothing sleep? Before bed, scribble a quick list of all that mental chatter, so you can r-e-l-e-a-s-e worries and enjoy deep, restorative sleep. Re-read just to be sure they're ALL there. Place on your night table to address anything requiring attention tomorrow. ( If worries drift back in, float them by on a raft downstream...and out of sight.) Sweet dreams!
ALL STRESSED-UP...AND NO PLACE TO GO?
Create a "Stress-Tips Toolbox"
When it comes to stress-relief, one size does NOT fit all. Develop a realistic personal stress-management program that works within your lifestyle, preferences and belief system. Include lots of laughter and some form of free, creative expression, healthy nutrition, pleasurable exercise, mindfulness and meditation. Gentle touch, honest relationships and personally meaningful spiritual practice can help balance tough days with something just for you.
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BONUS QUICKTIP FOR WORRIERS:
Life is short. I met someone who releases non-essential worries by keeping a file of scribbled-down frets and obscure newspaper clippings, entitled: "Things to Worry About When I Can Find the Time." One day, when you find yourself with too much time on your hands, job's terrific, kids are all grown, and everyone you know is healthy and happy, you can open up that file and pull out a fresh, new, genuinely far-fetched worry to keep you occupied. (source:Lisa Port-White, MA)
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com