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5 WAYS TO HELP REDUCE STRESS

05.23.2017

OUTFIT DETAILS: TOP // JEANS

We all live such crazy lives these days, I feel like there’s no time to relax anymore! We seem to always be running from one thing to the next with no time to sit back and reflect. I’ve been making it a goal to reflect at the end of each day and try to de-stress and relax as much as possible. I’ve found some really great tips to help me do so which I’m sharing with you all today in hopes these help you as well!

MY TOP 5 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Exercise: my #1 way to de-stress after a long day! Exercise helps boost endorphins and reduce stress. Research shows that only 20 mins a day is all you need. I like to use my workout each day as a time for me to leave my outside worries at the door. Whatever crazy day I’ve had at work, the second I step outside for a run or inside a gym my stressful life instantly disappears for the next hour or so. I truly believe this is one of the reasons why I continue and look forward to exercising on a daily basis. To exercise is to reduce stress and create a balanced lifestyle. I dont know what I would do without this part of my day! It is truly a lifesaver and am so grateful for this time.

Meditate: spending a part of my day reflecting has been super helpful to wind down and relax. Meditation lowers heart rate a blood pressure and improves overall awareness. I like to spend at least 10 minutes a day sitting in a quiet place, closing my eyes, relaxing my muscles and focus on my breathing. I usually focus on one thing and dont let other distractions cross my mind. It’s hard to do, but I immediately feel more relaxed!

Yoga: Similar to meditation, yoga takes things a step further. When in a yoga class, I like to block out any other distractions and focus on my breathing and the way my body is moving. This not only helps build strength, but relaxes my mind and helps reduce stress. My goal is to incorporate yoga in my routine at least once a week in hopes that I will be a much less stressful person! (We’ll see!)

Unplug: aka shut down all computers and cell phones. I am constantly on email and social media, but it is SO nice to turn it all off and relax. I could definitely use more of this! I love unplugging, lighting a candle and turning on some soft music. I know, sounds kind of romantic but I like to do this alone if I need to get out of a stressful mood.

Get a massage: treat yo self! I get monthly massages to help relax and work my tight muscles. Although I always get a deep tissue massage, I still find them relaxing. I also like to request aromatherapy oils specifically lavender. Lavender aromatherapy is also great before bed to help you relax and fall into a deep sleep. I have lavender in my nightstand if I find it hard to relax at night and it almost always works!

Thanks for reading loves! Have a great week. xo

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Massage Envy Spa | Sports Massage Benefits

05.28.2014

The following post is sponsored by Massage Envy Spa, but as always all opinions are my own.

Hope you all had a great long weekend! Our weekend was full of wine tasting and basquing in the sun, but someone has to do it! 😉 I also had the chance to check out the Massage Envy Spa in the Metreon for a 60 minute sports massage. I will start by saying, It was one of the best massages of my life…really!

I was in dire need of a massage and Massage Envy Spa couldn’t have contacted me at a better time. I have been having a lot of neck and shoulder issues, mostly tightness which has been causing lots of headaches. I FINALLY found my lifesaver aka chiropractor (Dr. Buettner), and was very happy to find a massage therapist to help me with my issues as well. After both treatments I feel like a new person! It is SO SO SO important to listen to our bodies. In fact, the therapist suggested with all the lifting and running I do that it is important to get massages at least once a month. Luckily Massage Envy Spa offers affordable options and monthly memberships.

So when I walked into the spa I was instantly greeted by the front desk, who were really sweet and welcoming. My boyfriend and I were then taken into a room to chat about our session and what we would like to focus on. I found this extremely helpful, as we both has specific “problem” areas and requests. We then met our therapists who were both incredible! If you are in the area be sure to go to Kim! She instantly found where I needed the most work, and left me feeling 100 times better. She is strong, but I prefer a much deeper massage to ease the pain and get out all of my nasty knots. She then gave me stretches to do on my own to relieve the headaches.

For me, sports massage therapy is the best soothing relief I need from days of running or lifting. Sports massage therapy focuses on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.

Many runners and fitness peeps like myself have found sports massage therapy critical to training for the following reasons:

Reduced recovery time
Increase flexibility
Decreased fatigue
Improved endurance
Fewer injuries
Increased relaxation for optimal performance

Do you get massages on a regular basis? If so, how often?

Thank you Kim and Massage Envy Spa for such a great experience! We will be back and seriously considering a monthly membership! If you are in the San Francisco area, be sure to check out Massage Envy Spa in the Metreon! There are also 37 other locations in the San Francisco area to choose from.

Thanks for reading!

Steep Stress Away

01.15.2014

I love love love drinking my cup of tea before bed each night. Why? Because it keeps my away from the piece of chocolate I typically crave, has zero calories and helps me to de-stress. Traditional Medicinals was kind enough to send some of their tea to try and I cant get enough. Seriously. Im addicted. As most are addicted to coffee, I’m addicted to my nightly calming tea. I have a naturally high stress level and am always on the go, so this is my way to finally relax at the end of the day.

About Traditional Medicinals:

“For nearly forty years we’ve been passionate about connecting people with plants. And we’re equally as passionate about passing along the centuries-old wisdom of how to use them. So even though our look has changed, our aspirations remain the same: help you discover the power of plants. We don’t just make formulas because they sound good. Every tea and herbal product that we make must have sufficient evidence of safety, quality and efficacy in support of our claim statements and formulation rationale.”

More about tea…Did you know?

Green tea can help you maintain a healthy weight and interfere with fat formation in the body.
White tea can help you look younger by strengthening elastin and collagen.
Black tea can help reduce stress levels and risk of heart attack.
Tea can help boost exercise endurance.
Antioxidants in tea can help protect against a ton of different cancers.
Tea is hydrating!!
…and the list goes on. (Source)

Here are the teas Ive tried and loved:

Easy Now – A soothing blend of relaxing herbs like passionflower, chamomile, lavender and catnip, a mug of this is a great start when you’re looking to unwind.

Chamomile with Lavender – This tea settles your nervous system and relaxes your digestive system. Brew a cup when feeling frazzled or tense* and this herbal blend of beautiful and fragrant flowers and lemon balm will help ease your nervous tension or upset stomach.*

Nighty Night – With the help of passionflower, a wildly intense beauty with calming properties, this tea will aid in relaxation and allow the body to ease into a good night’s sleep.

Do you drink tea? If so, what’s your favorite?

Traditional Medicinals sent me products free of charge, but as always all opinions are my own.

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