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Relaxation
can increase your enjoyment
The holidays bring the fun—and the pressure—of parties, family gatherings,
and gift giving. You may be doing too much, carrying too many groceries
and gifts, worrying about meeting your obligations. As a result
your shoulders may ache, your neck and low back may be stiff, and
your arms and feet may be sore.
Below
are some tips for relaxation.
1. Avoid carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder only, which can lead
to spasms in your shoulder and neck and throw off your posture,
often resulting in back problems
2. Slow down, put your feet up, and breathe deeply, even if you
can relax for just 15 minutes.
3. Set boundaries. Remember you can only do so much. Plan to do
the holiday activities you enjoy the most and let the other ones
go.
4. Soak in a warm tub. Add several drops of essential oils such
as lavender, mandarin orange, or Ylang Ylang to enhance relaxation.
5. Plan an extra massage to help unwind in the middle of the holiday
rush. Although many people cancel their regularly scheduled sessions
in November and December, it may be just the ticket to keeping you
relaxed and helping you get the most enjoyment from the holidays
you celebrate.
Five Easy
Stretches
Relieve tension with simple stretches
1. Relax
your neck and shoulders. Sit straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Inhale and squeeze your shoulders up toward your ears. Hold tightly
for several seconds and relax as you exhale. Repeat several times.
2. Stretch your calves. Press the ball of your right foot at the
edge of a step. Let the heel drop downward until you feel a stretch
in the lower leg. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the left leg.
Repeat.
3. Try this for tight shoulders. Stand up straight, with feet shoulder-width
apart and hands clasped behind your back. Bend over from your waist
and bring your arms as close as you can toward your head without
straining. Keep your arms straight and your hands clasped. Hold
for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat several times.
4. Lie down and lift your knee to relieve your back. Lie down with
knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Raise your left knee up to your
chest as far as possible without pain. Return the foot to the floor
and slide heel forward until leg is straight. Now roll the leg from
side to side and return to starting position. Do 5 times and switch
legs.
5. If you can’t lie down, try #4 sitting up. Sit with your back
straight. Pull your right knee toward your chest. Hold for 10 seconds.
Release. Switch legs and repeat the exercise. Do the sequence at
least 3 times.
The Professional
Staff at:
Essential Therapies
631-589-6680
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