The holidays may be the most fun time of the year, but they can also be a very stressful time. Exercise is a great stress reducer, but we tend to be outside less because of the weather.
When we are under stress, we think stress thoughts such as "I don't have enough time!" or "This _____ is driving me crazy!" When we think about how stressed we are, our body responds by tensing up. The thoughts and responses cycle, leading to ever more stress and ever more response.
The easiest way to stop this destructive cycle is by stretching and thinking relaxed thoughts. You can do the following self-massage/stretch routine anywhere you can sit or lie down, in any 5 or 10 minute break.
Sit up straight in a sturdy chair, feet firmly on floor, hands in lap, and close your eyes for a moment. Using your mind's eye, wander around inside your body. Check how it's feeling. Begin with your eyes. Are they tense? If so, flutter your eyelids a little, and then let then relax. Rub your palms together until they are warm, and cup your eyes, feeling the warmth relax your eyes and face.
Take a deep, slow breath, and as your exhale, look all over inside your body. Note all the places where you are holding tension. Slowly stretch and release each place of tension one by one. Then check once again and see if your body feels more alert, relaxed and alive.
This is a very abreviated version of a guided stretch on my Web page http://www.affinity-eastwest.com/stretch.html. You may also enjoy a short article there on self-reflexology massage.
Sharma Oliver owns Affinity East/West Wellness Center in Shoreline, where she practices massage and teaches yoga, meditation and stress management. Learn more at http://www.affinity-eastwest.com
Copyright © 2006 by the article's author