http://www.care2.com/greenliving/three-simple-tension-tamers.html
3 Simple Tension-Tamers
Adapted from 365 Ways to Relax Mind, Body, and Soul, by Barbara L. Heller (Storey Books, 2000).
Do you ever get stressed and tense? Can you sometimes feel a tension headache coming on? No matter where you are–in a crowded office or subway, or sitting alone at home–here are three easy things you can do right now to help yourself relax.
1. Shoulder Shrugs. Don’t carry the weight of the world; shrug it off! Shoulder shrugs are easy stretches that release tension from your upper body. You can do them while either sitting or standing.
a. Inhale and tighten your shoulders, pulling them up toward your ears.
b. Exhale and gently release.
c. Repeat three times.
2. Self-Massage. Prolonged desk work causes tight shoulders and upper arms. Take a minibreak and rub the stress away with a self-massage.
a. Place your left hand on your right shoulder.
b. Gently knead the muscles between your neck and arm.
c. Squeeze. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
d. Continue to gently squeeze and rub along your shoulder and upper arm.
e. Repeat on your left side.
3. Headache Tamer. Tame tension headaches–or head them off at the pass–with this simple technique.
a. Place your index and middle fingers of both hands at the outer edges of your eyebrows and on the indentations of your temples.
b. Rub in small circular movements.
c. Increase the pressure and hold for a count of 2.
d. Release; repeat as necessary.
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
2 comments
add your comment »Thank you, Deborah.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
In addition to the great tips listed in the article, keep in mind that stress can be reduced by simple lifestyle changes, such as meditation & yoga, even something a simple as taking a walk out in nature, minus your cell phone or ipod.
Take the time to truly be present with yourself & listen to the sound of the crisp autumn leaves beneath your feet. Stop now & then & tune into the sound of bird calls, or the squirrels as they scamper about searching for nuts to store away for the winter. If the weather isn't ideal, then take 5 or 10 minutes for yourself to simply
take in a slow deep breath, counting how long you inhale, then count the same number of times on the exhale. Repeat this process at least 3 times or more when you wake in the morning, before going to sleep, or anytime throughout your day when you find a moment to do this.
Also, reducing your caffiene & sugar intake can ease the stress they put on the body, while decreasing pain levels as well. Finally keep in mind that a good B complex helps your system out when it has been undergoing any form of stress. Magnesium is another ally you should consider, as it not only has a calming effect, but helps you get better sleep & is a wonderful aide for relaxing your muscles.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: