Tuesday, October 4, 2011

5 Easy Ways To De-Stress

The pressures of everyday life can take a serious toll on our physical and mental well-being. Between mile-long to-do lists, family and relationship obligations, and full-time jobs, it’s easy to get so wound up, we forget to breathe and reboot. Fortunately, there are relatively simple ways to decompress—all you need to do is carve out a little “me” time. Try these tips and let the stress melt away.
1) Take a Long Bath
There are few things more relaxing than a hot bath. For an extra-soothing experience, light aromatherapy candles and add a luxurious bath oil to smooth and nourish your skin. Once you sink in, you’ll immediately start to feel the problems of the day melting away. Ahhhhhh.
Boots Original Beauty Formula Bath Oil, $11.99 at Drugstore.com | Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil, $65 at JoMalone.com | Fresh Rice Sake Bath, $80 at Sephora.com
2) Exercise
Okay, we know that heading to a crowded gym is probably the last thing you want to do after a grueling day at the office, but it’s also one of the most beneficial things you can do for both your body and mind. Not only does it combat countless health conditions and keep your figure svelte, exercise has been proven to significantly improve moods and reduce stress. Plus, it’s a great way to release any pent-up negative energy you may be holding onto inside.
3) Self-Massage
How can you be expected to relax your mind when your body is tense? Fortunately you don’t need a personal massage therapist to relieve tension, aches, and pains. There’s also very little technique required to give yourself a satisfying massage—just grab a bottle of body lotion or oil and get to work on your hands, feet, shoulders, or anywhere that needs a little TLC.
Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter, $49 at BlissWorld.com | Olay Advanced Healing Intensive Lotion, $9.99 at Drugstore.com | L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil, $34 at Usa.Loccitane.com
4) Pamper Yourself
Who says you need to go to a spa to treat yourself? There are tons of easy, DIY therapies you can do right from your own home. Try exfoliating your skin from head to toe with a moisturizing body scrub or treat your tresses to a luxurious hair mask. You’ll not only feel better on the inside, but you’ll look better on the outside, too.
Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream, $21 at Clinique.com | Kerastase Masquintense, $60 atKerastase-USA.com | Neutrogena Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator, $8.55 at Drugstore.com
5) Put On Your Favorite Music Or Movie
When it comes down to it, relaxation is all about what makes you feel good. If it’s just one of those days (and going to the gym is just out of the question, thank you very much), sometimes just vegging out with a DVD you love or putting on your favorite tunes is a great way to unwind.

No comments:

Post a Comment