Resolve to Relax your Mind and Body
A new year is filled with plenty of well intended resolutions; typical ones that may include quitting smoking, exercising to lose weight, paying off credit cards and so on. While all are certainly wise and commendable, it would behoove us to add another - to relax our mind and body, more often. In the grand scope of it all, it is this that will help us through the more challenging changes in which we are about to embark upon.
Relaxing
It plays a vital role in the outcome of our life as a whole, how we feel and how we choose to live. The human body is meant to rest, relax and recuperate, in order to maintain a healthy state. Though it comes in many forms, it is defined “to become less tense, rest or ease ones self��?, achievement at times, may be a bit more complex.
Everyone needs to relax, but not everyone feels completely comfortable in embracing the concept. Although relaxing techniques are wonderful for de-stressing, we do not need to have stress in our day to be deserving of a little down time. And while it would do us all a world of good to carve some time out of each day for a relaxing ritual, for most of us, it is not all that practical. There is a wide array of basic things we can do, at least 2-3 times each week, if not more. Some are easy, fun and rather mindless, others take a bit more thought and work, but in the end, they all accomplish the same goal - to relax, let go and feel better.
Results from my own informal small survey (approximately 250 people) revealed that a simple Bath Soak is a very favorable way to relax. There were also added pleasures to go along with a bath, such as a glass of wine or cup of tea, locking the door, candles, music, etc, it is easy to do and a fine way to be still and unwind. For a simple natural bath, add a handful of sea salt and fresh herbs you have on hand, Lemon Balm is a nice choice and is also the International Herb Association's Herb of the Year for 2007!
Although not always relaxing while we are engaging in it, regular exercise relaxes us both mentally and physically. It increases blood flow and reduces stress which in turn aides in a fresh and relaxed state of mind, one that flows clearly and is uncluttered. While taking a bath is easy and can be comforting, exercise takes awareness and effort. So if you had a notion that relaxing ones self is for lazy people, you can now let that go and get moving.
During our workouts, it is absolutely essential to keep our bodies hydrated, so have plenty of water with you. Also, a nice treat to have close by, is a spray bottle of hydrosol that has recently been taken out of the refrigerator, whenever you go for water, give yourself a quick spritz of hydrosol. The cool lightly scented hydrosol (I use Orange) can be a handy pick-me-up and a wonderful feeling when we are working up a good sweat during a cardio or sculpting workout.
Practicing Yoga and breathing techniques is quite helpful and fulfilling for many of us, there is also baby and children's yoga which can be a wonderful bonding time for the family as a whole and results in healthy, happy and flexible participants.
It would be in our best interest to consider the impact on our health, should we become accustomed to a Diet that is high in sugar, fat, processed foods and the amounts consumed, just to name a few. If you normally eat a healthy diet, then you very well know how different and sluggish your body feels after a couple weeks of Holiday or Celebration feasting. Getting back to basics is essential, eat in moderation, select fresh foods that have a reasonable shelf life and do your best to drink the proper amount of Water, everyday. A good way to start is planning to prepare at least one meal per week made with all fresh ingredients; this will tempt you to want to do it more often.
Spending time at the Spa, relaxing or luxury?
Continue reading the rest of this article at the all natural beauty website
