Everyday Relaxation Rituals
February 24, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Stress is something that nearly everyone deals with from day-to-day. And, when you’re feeling stressed at the end of the day, you may want to create everyday rituals to feel relaxed. Everyday rituals can do much to reduce stress and anxiety.
How do rituals help you relax? Knowing ahead of time what your evening holds for you can begin the process of de-stressing. You don’t have to worry about what you’re going to do because you do the same thing every day. The evening, or at least a small part of it, is planned ahead of time which can be very freeing.
The following are some ideas you may want to incorporate into your day to reduce stress and bring on relaxation so you can enjoy your time at home.
Beautiful, soothing music
It has been said that music soothes the savage beast. It can also go a long way to helping you de-stress at the end of a long day. Play relaxing music on your commute home, whether you drive or ride public transit. When you get home, some of the stress may already be on its way out.
Playtime with your child or pet
Nothing is better at melting stress away than playtime with your child. You can get silly together and watch the stress disappear. If you don’t have children, playtime with a pet can have the same benefits.
Meditation
Many people believe meditation can do wonders for helping you relax. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes when you get home to sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel the stress slip away.
Drawing or painting
Get creative to reduce stress and help you relax. Bring out paper, pens, pencils, or paints and then sit down to simply let creativity flow. It really doesn’t matter if you create a finished work; the point is to use creativity to bring you to a point of peace.
Writing in a journal
Writing is another activity which can allow creativity to have free reign to bring stress under control. Begin writing down all of the good things that happened to you during the day or things you’re thankful for. You can also use the time to pour out pent up stress and frustration. No one else will read your journal, you can say what you feel which can be liberating.
Breathing exercises
Women are often taught to use breathing exercises during childbirth. Similar exercises can also reduce stress no matter which sex you happen to be. Be sure to get enough oxygen in and out of your lungs to reduce the effects of stress.
Drinking herbal tea
You can finish up your day by having a cup of herbal tea. There are many varieties which are said to reduce stress. Find one that you enjoy and make it a ritual to drink a cup when you get home to help you unwind.
Combine more than one of these ideas to create everyday rituals to feel relaxed. Your day will end on a less stressful note. You may also find that the following day begins better because you’re relaxed, refreshed, and ready to start your day.
Welcome back! If you haven't done so yet, you might want to subscribe to my RSS feed and be alerted of new blog posts. For exclusive information and special offers, sign up for the free Natural Parenting Newsletter. Thanks for visiting!
Get Kids to Exercise
February 21, 2010 · Leave a Comment
[ad#ad-2]
Kids and exercise go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? Not anymore.
Very young kids move constantly and may get all the exercise they need. However, the older they get the less likely they are to stay active. Part of the reason children aren’t as active when they are growing up is that schools don’t stress physical education the way they once did. Parents also don’t feel their kids are as safe playing around the neighborhood as it once was.
One way to inspire kids to embrace exercise is to enjoy it yourself. If your children see you running, swimming, or doing some type of physical exercise, they’re going to understand how good it makes you feel. You can find an activity you can do as a family or as a parent and child.
Heavy Metal: Is It in Your Diet?
February 7, 2010 · 3 Comments
Is heavy metal a part of your diet? I’m not talking about your musical diet. I mean the food you eat every day.
Heavy metals have a specific density (five times heavier than water), and are associated with toxicity. Unfortunately, heavy metals are often found in foods we commonly consume. First, let’s take a look at the more prevalent heavy metals and their dietary sources. Then we’ll look at how to lessen your exposure.
