Rest & Relaxation

    So after returning from vacation, I realized that rest & relaxation seems to be an anomaly only for those on vacation. What happens the first day you return? Poof! All the crazy busy & stress are waiting for you at your doorstep. It only takes a few hours to undo all the good that was done while you were away. Face it, we are the sandwich generation, sandwiched between our aging parents’ needs and our kids. This is just the way it rolls but there are things you can do to keep yourself in vacation mode at any point in your day or week. Read on…

   The first rest & relaxtion tip is easy but not so easy. Just say ‘NO’ once in awhile. We do not need to volunteer for everything that is asked of us. We are allowed to say no & allow ourselves extra time to fit in the types of activities we do on vacation or should do on a stay-cation like…

1) yoga or exercise or a walk (will reduce stress, see yoga posture below) 2) a nap – yes we are entitled & it has wonderful health benefits! 3)  read a book or magazine 4) enjoy local sites or unique shops  5) sit outside & enjoy that cup of tea or coffee in the morning 6) go to a movie or rent a movie

    Also, what we don’t do is just as important – stay unplugged or less plugged in. We use our computers, phones, etc. much less while on vacation. (unless you are a teenager!) Even if you block out an hour or two a day for this it will be beneficial!

     As for yoga, if you need just one relaxing posture it should be Legs-up-a wall pose. From a previous blog here are the instruction below & photo to the left. It is the most beneficial pose for reducing stress!

 The pose I want to hail today can be called the legs-up-a-wall pose. Face it, ladies, gravity is taking its toll & any little bit that we can do to help is a plus. All you need is a wall or tall piece of furniture. Lay on your back & scootch your butt as close to the wall as possible with the legs stretching upward. Point & flex those feet. The hard part now begins: you need to relax & breath for 5 to 10 minutes! We are all busy, and taking the time to deeply breath for 5 minutes a day is shown to have tremendous health benefits. (Reducing stress needs to be a priority!) So, close your eyes & place your hands on your belly. Breath in and out through your nose. Feel your belly inflate & exhale pushing all the stale air out of your lungs. Find a nice rythym & relax! Your legs will thank you! Our circulation away from the heart isn’t what it used to be & we need to find ways to help the heart, mind & soul! This is easy, but not so easy to keep life at bay for a few minutes a day! Enjoy!