relaxation

5 WAYS TO HELP REDUCE STRESS

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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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Calling all Yogis!

Calling all yogis! (I love that word) Who out there loves yoga? It’s becoming the “it” thing to do around town. Hatha, vinyasa, bikram, power yoga to name a few of the many styles. I know, it sounds like I’m speaking a different language, right?

After hitting the gym for repeated days in a row, a nice long yoga session always helps break up the repetitive muscle strain and tension. Also pretty sure we can all use a little relaxation, myself included. I’m all about trying to find ways to de-stress. Lifting and cardio do this for me as well, but yoga specifically releases the tension building up from work, relationships and just life in general. I am de-stressing just thinking about it…

Here are some benefits:

Strength, posture, flexibility anyone? I’M ALL IN! Of course I believe that lifting weights is critical for all of the above, but cycling in yoga once in a while is a must for me.  Try these poses:

yoga-poses-beginners

Send me a message or comment if you would like yoga studio recommendations in San Francisco. I also LOVE yoga DVD’s which can be done in the comfort of my teeny apartment. Jillian Michael’s is of course my fave- try her Yoga Meltdown.

Do you guys practice yoga? Would love to hear about it! I just mastered the crow pose! Woohoo 🙂

Here are some yoga articles that may be of interest to you:

Namaste.

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