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Feeling stressed? Julie Walker Farrow, Independent Business Owner with The Body Shop At Home™ (pictured) has some simple techniques to help you relax.
Balancing work, children and your own free time adds worry to your day and can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and irritable. The issue however, may be primarily external rather than internal – by removing distractions and finding time to relax and unwind will dramatically improve your overall wellbeing.
Here are a few simple techniques to help relax:
Take a deep breath
Breathing techniques naturally calm your body so it’s important to take the time to concentrate on your breathing. Slowly inhale through your nose, with your breath starting in your abdomen and working its way up. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth.
Slowing your breathing helps to reduce the production of adrenalin -‐ your body’s natural reaction to stress, so you’ll instantly feel calmer.
Soothe your skin
Believe it or not, stress shows through your skin; breakouts, blotchiness and dry or oily skin can all be your body’s way of telling you that you’re stressed.
Run a bath, apply a facemask and soothe your skin with body lotion or essential oils. Steam baths are also a good idea, helping to open your pores and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Make the experience last even longer by massaging generous amounts of body butter into your entire body.
Meditate your mind
Meditation is a deep relaxation method that helps to still the mind – it’s the perfect remedy to unwind at the end of a busy day, week or for no reason at all.
Find a quiet spot that’s comfortable and allows you to switch off from your surroundings. The mind and the body are so closely related, when your mind is still, the body can begin to relax too. Some people find it difficult to meditate at first, but don’t let this put you off; meditation needs practice and with time you’ll find a rhythm that works for you.
Try Yoga
Traditional gym exercises are a thing of the past, why not relax your mind and body whilst working out? Yoga helps you to develop strength and flexibility, while soothing your nerves and calming your mind. The tranquil and holistic experience of yoga creates a sense of mental clarity that will leave you feeling refreshed and relieved.
Scented infusions
If you’re having trouble switching off at night, try infusing your home with soothing scents that help you to relax.
Lavender is known for its calming and relaxation properties and widely recognised for its ability to aid stress-‐related sleep disorders. Don’t like lavender? There are many other scents linked to relaxation, the trick is to find one that works for you.
About the Author
Julie Walker Farrow is an independent business owner with The Body Shop At Home. Since joining The Body Shop At Home in 2003, Julie has built her business into a multi-million dollar business venture, travelled the world with The Body Shop At Home and explored a variety of ways to calm the body and still the mind. For more information on The Body Shop At Home please visit http://www.thebodyshop.com.au/TheBodyShopAtHome.aspx