Don't wait until Saturday or Sunday to take time for yourself. Here are a few things you can do to reset, recharge, refuel...anytime, any day:
Six Deep Breaths: Don't discount the power of the breath to bring some calm into your day. Deep breathing can relax the mind and body. The best part? The breath is always available. Sometimes we aren't aware of how we are breathing though, and how that can affect our nervous system and physical state. Shallow or rapid breaths can make us feel anxious or stressed, signaling to our body that we are in fight-or-flight. We can send some love to the body by taking slow, deep belly breaths. By making the exhales a little longer and more drawn out than the inhales, we can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, a.k.a. our rest-and-digest, and allow the body to relax. Try breathing in for a count of four, and exhaling out the mouth for a count of six. Repeat five more times. Notice how you feel after. Hopefully a little looser, a little lighter.
Frozen Cucumbers Under the Eyes: When you only have a couple minutes, this is a great way to feel refreshed and bright eyed. I buy a cucumber, cut it into slices, and put it in the freezer. I take out 2 slices in the morning and hold or gently rub them under my eyes. It helps me wake up and moisturizes and hydrates the thin skin under the eyes. Instant refresher.
Spiky Ball Foot Massage: When you don't have time for a massage or a pedicure, grab a spiky ball (or tennis ball) and roll it under each foot for roughly two minutes. It helps break up the fascia in the feet, which is essentially like lubricating and loosening up the tissue in your feet. This tissue can get stiff from lack of movement or being stuck in shoes all day. If you really want to see the magic of how the muscles and tissue of the feet relate to the entire body, before you roll, do a slow forward bend. Hang here for a few breaths, bend your knees generously, and grab your elbows. Let your head be heavy and relax. Now take note of how far you have folded, and notice any tightness or tension in your body. Slowly roll up to standing. One at a time, roll the spiky ball under each foot for 1-2 minutes. Roll it side to side, back and forth, circles, figure eights, etc. When both feet are done, repeat the same slow forward bend. Now notice how you feel. Are you able to fold a little farther? Do your hamstrings and hips feel a little better? That's reflexology my friends!
Salt Bath: Epsom salt baths are a fabulous way to relax and unwind. The combination of the hot water and the magnesium from the Epsom salt can soothe achy muscles and stiff joints, and well as provide an overall calming and relaxing effect. You can keep it simple with just a half cup of Epsom salt, or doctor it up with a few drops of your favorite essential oils or bentonite clay. The oils can provide aromatherapy and enhance the bath experience. Many people find lavender or orange to be extremely calming. When I feel sore after a run, I find a few drops of peppermint and eucalyptus in the bath bring a tingly and cooling effect to my sore muscles. Bentonite clay has become one of my favorite things to add to my bath. This clay is helpful in detoxifying the body. The theory is that the clay carries a negative charge and can attract positive carrying particles, such as dirt and toxins. Just a tablespoon or two into the bath (I use Redmond's Clay) when you need a little detox.
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