1. Spend a week without TV
We know you can't get enough summer reruns, but maybe it's time to turn off the tube. We hate to break it to ya, but TV programming isn't all it's cracked up to be. These days, it seems the best we can expect is some whacked-out reality-show nut case (ahem, 'The Bachelor') that gets our blood boiling and catty 'ANTM' wannabes squealing about anything and everything -- even '24' is giving us high blood pressure. And as much as we can't wait to kick back on the couch with our remote after a long day, our brains could definitely use a break. Trade in your television for a week of something more rewarding instead: Read a book, go for a walk, work out at the gym or cook a nice meal with a few friends -- the possibilities are endless! We promise you won't miss your TV one bit ... besides, we know you've got a DVR.
2. Do stress-relieving exercises
Everyone's got their own "Joe in Accounting," that guy you wish you could just implant your fist into his face to make him stop talking. But since we're not advocates of inflicting violent behavior on living beings -- not even Joe -- we suggest alleviating your stress on inanimate objects, instead. Try this easy exercise to release some of that pent-up stress: First, stand about three feet from a wall (you'll have to adjust the distance for your specific height). Reaching out with both arms, lean at an angle into the wall and press with all your might; your body should form a triangle with the wall and the floor. Keep your feet locked on the floor so your Achilles tendons get a really good stretch. The further you stretch and harder you press, the more tension you'll release from your hamstrings. (Did you know your hamstrings are one of the first muscle groups to store tension? Now you do.)
3. Soak in a hot bath
Ever consider a bubbly to chase away your woes? No, we don't mean drowning your sorrows in Champagne. Sometimes the best solution to a stressful day is taking a nice relaxing bubble bath. Add music, candles and maybe some wine or hot chocolate and just revel in the calm. Afterwards, you can watch those worries run down the drain along with your left-over bubbles. We're pretty sure you'll feel a whole lot better -- and have much softer skin.
4. S-L-O-W down
Let's face it, the rat race is taking its toll on our mental health. Really, when was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? If your response indicates circa 1989, then we're going to have to stage an intervention. Stop whatever it is you're doing (yes, that evens includes putting down the BlackBerry) and listen up: A stressed mind tends to run in circles. If you take the time to slow down your pace, you'll begin to feel a lot more relaxed. That's not only good for your overall well-being, it'll help you think more clearly, too.
5. Laugh
Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" was onto something -- there's no antidote to the pressures of life like a good hearty laugh. And the great thing about laughter is it's not too hard to come by. Some of our favorite ways to find the funny stuff: (1) Have a comedy night -- an entire evening watching funny films or comedians on DVD; (2) grab a bite or a drink with the friend who always makes you crack up; (3) keep a humor journal to write down every hilarious thing that happens to you during the day, or quote you overhear; or (4) visit one of the many online joke sites each morning to put you in a good mood. Whatever you decide, have your first laugh on us! (Please note that we don't suggest trying any of the funny stress-relief tips on this page at home.)
6. Take an entire night to yourself
In today's hectic world of "people to see, places to be," finding time for yourself can be quite a challenge. When the going gets rough, though, get going on a night of uninterrupted bliss -- doing absolutely nothing. Lounge around in your PJ's, order in, rent a movie, do whatever your heart desires. If you want to dress up (or down, as the case may be) like Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business' and slide across your living-room floor, we will by no means try to stop you. In all seriousness, taking a night off can really help release tension. So don't hesitate to pencil -- scratch that -- Sharpie some time in for yourself.
7. Treat yourself to a mini vacation
We all need a break from the nine-to-five sometimes and we shouldn't feel bad about it. Unfortunately, we don't all have the luxury of jetting off for a two-week vacation in the Bahamas. But you should never cheat yourself out of a mini vacation from time to time. And by "vacation," we're not saying you need to go all-out with a five-page itinerary filled with activities galore: We simply mean a time for you to relax. So if spending an afternoon frolicking among the monkeys at the local zoo makes you happy, hey, who are we to judge?
8. Spearmint oil to the rescue!
What could be better than smelling like roses? How about smelling like fresh mint? When your mind is tired and in need of a picker-upper, dab a little spearmint oil on your temples and the back of your neck -- known as an all-natural stress-reliever and remedy for headaches, migraines and fatigue, it'll have you smelling and feeling like a million bucks in no time. An added benefit: Spearmint oil is also super useful as a cure for digestive problems (i.e. constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea), as it helps relax the stomach muscles, too. This one smells like winner to us!
9. Exercise
We know this one actually requires some work, but as much as we'd like to avoid it, regular exercise can do wonders for the mind and body. Some of us find exercising more enjoyable than others, but there are options for everyone. If running on a treadmill at the gym makes you feel like a hamster, be creative and try something else: Ride a bike, go for a hike with your dog, try roller skating with friends. Even playing Nintendo's Wii Fit and other fun, sports-themed video games can make you break a sweat. Need a place to start? Just jogging in place or doing jumping jacks while you watch your favorite TV show can be a great beginning. Whatever your activity of choice, keep at it and you'll feel better in no time.
10. Try belly breathing
This last one is really easy and once you get the hang of it you can do it practically anytime and anywhere! Follow the simple steps below, setting aside 10 minutes a day to just sit and breathe. You'll be surprised at how much everything slows down to a more comfortable pace. (More than once when we've done it, we got so relaxed we started to snore. Enough said.)
-- Sit in a relaxing position with your legs apart.
-- Put your hands on your stomach. Using your stomach breathe in slowly through your nose. If you are doing it right your stomach will expand and you'll feel it with your hands.
-- Breathe out slowly through your nose and do it with some force so you feel your stomach pull slightly inwards towards your spine.
-- Breathe in and out 30 times. Take slow and deep breaths.
-- After you have taken 30 breaths and focused on counting them you should not only feel more relaxed and centered. Your body will also be able to continue breathing in this manner without you focusing on it.
Until next time ...
-- Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers
Whether you're looking for tunes to power up your workout or soothe your soul, download them all at ClearMusic
#9 and #10 are recommended. I practice pilates every day to keep my body healthy (about 30 minutes). It just takes motivation to follow a daily routine.
Posted by: Sudoku Print Puzzles | Monday, January 18, 2010 at 03:38 PM