Home Archives for Relaxation
February 29, 2012 1 Comment

Relaxation? It Could be Just a Few Notes Away!

Relaxing Classical Music

If  relaxation is on your mind, it’s time to take action.  Relaxing isn’t just enjoyable, it’s healthful.  Just about everyone wants more relaxation in their life, but few actually do anything about it.  Equally baffling is the fact that so many people think you have to go away on a vacation to relax – as though relaxation were buried treasure that you have to leave home to find.

It’s just alarming to hear people talk about how stressed they are – then hear them say, “If I can just hang on for 3 more months, then I can take a vacation.”

Wouldn’t it be better to find ways to incorporate relaxation into your daily life? At home, in the car, and even at the office?  Relaxation techniques can help keep you stress free and feeling like you’re on a vacation more than just once a year.

One of my favorite relaxation techniques is one of the easiest.  I simply listen to Classical Music.  I have  a great classical music cd collection, but classical music is readily available on YouTube as well.

The The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe, shown at the top, is the PERFECT classical music collection for relaxation. At less than $8.00, this beautiful collection features the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and many others.  (You can hear samples of this truly one of a kind music when you click the link.)

While I often listen to classical music at home (I prefer opening my windows and listening to the songbird’s choir), I always listen to it in the car. I have noticed that when classical music is playing, you tend to get less annoyed with other drivers, the length of stop lights, etc. It’s almost as though classical music casts a relaxing spell over you.  However, it does so without making you sleepy!   It keeps you alert and relaxed at the same time.  If they could bottle the effects of classical music, someone would make a fortune.

Click through one of the links above and begin your own classical music collection. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without classical music as the soundtrack of your life.

Filed Under: Relaxation Tagged:
October 17, 2011 Leave a Comment

Unplug Yourself! Relax, Recharge, and Refresh Your Body and Mind

Magnolia

Less than zero. That’s how much I know about electronics. My skills pretty much lie in knowing how to turn things on and turn them off when I’m through.  At least I can handle a task that experts say is good for conserving energy. They say we should unplug appliances when they aren’t in use.

I can do that.

I thought about this today when I made myself  like one of these appliances and unplugged myself. I was at the computer in my home office, working like a mad woman, when I took a look around.  Remnants of a long weekend were everywhere. One husband and a houseful of young people had left a house looking like it’d hosted a long party. Which it pretty much had. A three day party.

Anyway, I decided to get up – trading online for offline – for an hour. About 30 minutes later, it struck me: Unplugging is something most of us don’t do nearly often enough.  By unplugging, of course, I mean getting up from the computer and not taking any part of it with you (Twitter, Facebook, e-mail notifications, etc.).

Unplugging.

When we unplug, we put ourselves into a whole other world for a while. A peaceful place that has no problem with being still or quiet.  The internet, social media, information overload – these things are wonderful and certainly have a billion benefits.  However, they haven’t an inkling of what it means to be peaceful and are less “still” and less “quiet” than a hyperactive two year old.  When we stay plugged into the online world, we aren’t still or quiet either. We’re constantly looking for updates – forever on duty, afraid that we’re sure to miss something.

We don’t realize it, at the time, of course. In fact, sometimes this process can be relaxing in itself.

However, there’s a lot to be said for unplugging (completely unplugging) and basking in the state of complete quiet and stillness.  It’s a beautiful, wonderful thing and most of us keep it at arms length far too often.  I have no doubt that being constantly switched ON is as bad for us as it is the appliances and technology we rely on.

When my hour was up, and the timer let me know that it was time to get back to work, I turned the timer off and we struck a deal: I’d take 30 more minutes and enjoy an Agatha Christie mystery and neither of us would feel the least bit guilty about it.  I sat on the sofa in a house that was so quiet I could almost hear my cat sleep, and read and relaxed for about 2o minutes.  I spent the last 1o minutes visiting with and petting my outside cats – something we all enjoyed.

When I plugged myself back in and picked up where I left off, I realized something kind of unexpected:  I worked faster and more efficiently with zero distractions.  It’s as though I recharged myself just in time!

I strongly recommend unplugging yourself each day – completely. Don’t cheat!  Leave the online world and the social circle completely behind and enjoy yourself and the world around you.  It’s great for the mind and the spirit – you’ll find yourself so relaxed and recharged that you’ll look forward to the same experience the next day.  And the next, and the next…

If you have kids, it’d be a great idea to make them unplug each day as well.

By the way, bath time, suppertime, and bedtime don’t count! You have to unplug yourself at other times as well.  That’s the whole idea, you see – unplug and do nothing but enjoy the peace and quiet. So many people don’t even recognize peace and quiet anymore.

Some ways to make the world stand still while you’re unplugged:

  • Read a book
  • Photograph flowers, trees, and other wonders in nature
  • Work a crossword puzzle
  • Spend time with your pet
  • Take a slow walk around the yard
  • Play solitaire
  • Try a new recipe
  • Sit and do absolutely nothing but soak in the quiet

I’d love to see more people realize just how relaxing, enjoyable, and healing absolute stillness and quiet are.  Try it, you’ll be singing its praises with me!

Make each still moment count double!
~ Joi

Filed Under: Relaxation Tagged: , ,
January 10, 2011 Leave a Comment

This is Your Mind On Music. Any Questions?

I’ve always been amazed by the influence music can have on a person. When you’re feeling down, the right kind of music can lift your spirits. Ironically, when you’re feeling sad, listening to sad songs can somehow help as well. That one has always stumped me – you’d think it’d make matters worse, wouldn’t you?!

Even in movies and on television, the effects of music are epic. When we’re watching a scary movie, the music played in the background serves to heighten our fear. Upbeat soundtracks cause our emotions to soar right along with the music!

I’ve also noticed that music can have a very relaxing effect on the listener. A lot of the time, when I’m working at the computer, I’ll have Patsy Cline, Motown Classics, or Johnny Cash serenading me while I plug along. Good thing I work from home! Different songs, and even different artists, affect people differently – for whatever reasons, Patsy Cline songs always bring a smile to my face and calm into my world.

Even on Mondays.

A new study now backs up what I’ve said all along: Listening to music makes the brain release a chemical that gives pleasure. Researchers found that music causes our brain cells to react to music much as they do to food or sex.

Is it any wonder so many people love to listen to music?

Interestingly, the study proved that the songs don’t even have to have vocals accompanying them – instrumentals have the same reaction. In fact, personally, I’ve found that instrumentals are often more relaxing. Classical music is especially good for sort of turning off the thinking process and shutting out the world. I’ll often play classical music while working online. I find my fingers trying to keep beat with the music sometimes.

What can I say, sometimes I need a little amusement in the middle of a long day.

Try this: The next time you feel stressed or anxious, listen to classical music (like the music in the video below). You’ll find that your stress and anxieties will diminish as the notes carry them away. If you don’t happen to have a classical music collection (yet!) search Classical Music on YouTube, or search for an individual composer’s work. A quick search for Relaxing Music brings about some beautiful results as well.

Make each moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Anxiety, Stress Tagged: , ,
November 18, 2010 3 Comments

Relaxation 101: Quiet the Mind and Steady the Nerves

It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts. -  K.T. Jong

Yesterday afternoon, I noticed something as I walked through my kitchen.  It wasn’t necessarily the smell of soup on the stove (although it did smell good!) or the sight of my beautiful cat Alexa intently watching birds from her window perch.

What struck me was the noise – or I should say the LACK of noise. My family members work different hours of the day and night, and during the day (from 9 am to 3 pm) everyone besides me and Alexa are either sleeping, at work, or in class.  I work from home and, during my work hours, I don’t play music or watch tv.  On my lunch break, I pop in an episode of I Love Lucy, Friends,  The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith (or another favorite classic sitcom) – but it comes out the minute the last bite has been eaten.

It was during this “Quiet Zone” that I walked through the house and couldn’t help noticing how different quiet seems.  Throughout a typical day, we all encounter so much clatter and racket that I think it becomes normal.  The television, the traffic, the radio, videos online, text dings, phone rings, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the noise police.  I love sounds of life!  And, around 3:00 each day, I’m pretty much craving them.

However, I’m also a huge fan of periods of absolute quiet.  When I drive, I almost never play the radio anymore.  I often like to drive along with my thoughts to keep me company – they’re excellent companions, I never know what to expect from them next.

And that’s the point.

If we fill our ears… and, thereby, our minds…. up with noise all day, how will we ever hear ourselves think.  When will we find the opportunity to squeeze an original thought in?

Our world is one noisy place. But get this:  According to a news report, science has found a way to achieve absolute silence.  Silence that even surpasses the silence in our home form 9 – 3.   Scientists have shown off the blueprint for an acoustic cloak, which could make objects impervious to sound waves. The technology, outlined in the New Journal of Physics, could be used to build sound-proof homes, advanced concert halls, or stealth warships.  I guess the last example are of little use if they aren’t sneaky.

We’d all do well to find our own “acoustic cloak” – and not JUST when we’re trying to write, think, study, or concentrate.  Granted, these times require peace and quiet – but you’d be surprised how therapeutic absolute quiet is when you enjoy it “for no reason at all.”

Start carving out “acoustic cloak” moments of your own during the day. Plan for them in the same way you’d plan to exercise. Below are some suggestions for these delicious time outs:

  • While driving to and from work. Leave the radio off and ride along with your thoughts.
  • Before, during, and after your shower or bath.  Try to keep your mind as still and quiet as possible.
  • Take a nice quiet walk outdoors.  The music nature makes can’t be beat by any instrument man invents.
  • Sit and stare out the window in absolute silence – just like a cat!

If you set aside time during the day to QUIET and STEADY your mind and nerves, you’ll feel refreshed and invigorated for the rest of the day.  Who knows, you might even hear a great idea in your head that you’d been drowning out.

People are always looking for ways to relax, ways to unwind, and ways to get rid of anxiety.  The first step is to simply bring more quiet to your world.  Too much stimulation of the senses can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts.  One of the simplest, yet most powerful, things you can do is to simply bring more quietness to your world.

A word of warning, however:  Don’t become a noise police, expecting everyone around you to tiptoe or turn their entertainment down.  If you find one area of your home too noisy, be considerate and simply move to another.   You simply can’t expect everyone to seek peace and quiet at the exact same time everyday… unless, the individual you spend most of your time with is a goldfish!

Make each quiet moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Anxiety, Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , ,
August 26, 2010 3 Comments

RelaxZen Relaxation Beverages: Yes, Please

RelaxZen Relaxation Beverages, remember the name.  If there’s any justice in the world, the name will soon be as well-known as Slim-Fast, Vitamin Water, and a slew of Energy Drinks.

A few days ago, I received a box of RelaxZen Relaxation Beverages – one for use in the daytime and one for use at nighttime.  Believe me, the nighttime one needs to be enjoyed only at nighttime – well within reach of a comfy pillow and your favorite blanket.

Both drinks that I tested taste delicious – very, very, very good. I’d drink them even if they didn’t have the wonderful relaxing qualities they possess. The day formula really seems to help you focus and promotes clarity and a sense of purpose. As someone who spends long hours working in her home office, these are attributes I greatly appreciate.

As for the equally delicious and even more relaxing nighttime formula, it helps lull you off to a very peaceful and beautiful night’s sleep. If the day has been far too busy and stressful for your liking, the nighttime RelaxZen just helps it melt away… naturally. It has a wonderful berry flavor that I’m pretty wild about.

About RelaxZen Relaxation Beverages:
Our first two products address two distinct needs. The first, RelaxZen DAY, is formulated with the highest quality ingredients to relax you, yet keep you focused and on-task during your day. Each ingredient was carefully chosen with our busy, multi-tasking consumer in mind. Many other relaxation shots can make you feel drowsy, sleepy, and emotionally distant; however, RelaxZen DAY can ease everyday anxiety and stress while allowing you to stay at the top of your game. RelaxZen NIGHT, was crafted to allow people to fall asleep quickly and wake up refreshed and ready to tackle their day. By incorporating melatonin and valerian root extract into the product along with B-vitamins, we created the perfect remedy for people who are often too anxious to easily fall asleep.

Together, our products address the increasingly hectic lifestyle everyone faces daily. We are confident that you will find them as beneficial and enticing as we do. – From RelaxZen Shots.com

If you visit RelaxZen’s website, you’ll be able to read a great deal about their beverages -  including ingredients and so forth.  If you’d like to try RelaxZen for yourself (and I’d highly recommend it – just be sure you don’t try the nighttime shot while driving, working, exercising, or on a date!), you can find RelaxZen Beverages as Walgreen’s, 7 Eleven, King’s, Foodtown, and other stores named on the website.

Relaxation is a beautiful, beautiful thing!

Filed Under: Brain Food, Relaxation Tagged:
July 8, 2010 2 Comments

Relaxation 101: You Don’t Find Quiet Time, You Make Quiet Time

Televisions, phones, video games, radios.

Alarm clocks, traffic, voices, construction.

Dryers, washing machines, dish washers.

Our inner voice reciting our to do list on a repeat cycle….

Our days are filled with noise, aren’t they?  Absolutely filled.  It’s a wonder that we don’t spend more money on Tylenol and Ibuprofen.   I guess the real wonder is the fact that we kind of become accustomed to all of the buzzing, ringing, banging, clicks, and whistles.

Truth be told, most of us don’t even realize how noisy life is until we find a quiet place to serve as a comparison.

Now, I’m many things, but I’m not one of those people who would teach or preach seeking solace and quiet throughout the day.  I don’t think recluses are the way to go and I’m pretty sure you don’t want to become a hermit.  So, take a deep breath, I’m not on the verge of hitting you with a “Sell your televisions, turn off your phones… let’s go to Zen-ville together….”

Yeah, about that….  No thanks. Clicks and whistles serve a purpose – they let us know we’re alive and remind us that we’re vital.  I think of noise as life’s beating pulse.

However, I am saying this:  For at least a few minutes a day, it’s beneficial (maybe even necessary) to put a muffler on the pulsating noise.  Think of it as a mini little retreat from the hustle and bustle.

Like I said, I love noise and business.  When my home is filled with my husband, baseball games on tv, the dryer running, my cats singing for their supper, kids playing video games in one room, kids watching Discovery Channel in another room, and still more kids cooking funnel cakes in the kitchen…. I’m as happy as a person has a right to be.

It makes me feel alive!

However, I think I’m able to appreciate all of that more (and keep myself centered and sane) when I’m able to wedge in a few minutes that I consider a Quiet Retreat.    It’s as simple as going in my front yard and petting my outside cats while watching/listening to birds.  Sometimes one of my daughters join me and we retreat together.

Last night, the birds put on an excellent performance for me and my youngest daughter, Stephany. Goldfinches, hummingbirds, cardinals, and sparrows provided the only audio and it was beautiful.

After about 10 minutes, we threw on our tennis shoes and took a walk – the retreat was over and it seemed to revive and re-energize us.  Retreats do that for a body, mind, and spirit.  They’re like a cool, fresh drink of water when you need it most.

If you’ve been feeling a little stressed (or even if you feel just dandy!), I promise that a mini Quiet Retreat each day will revive you.  It’ll make you appreciate the pulse of the day more and will provide the balance that your psyche might just be craving!  Find quiet time and relax even if it’s just sitting in your yard for 10 minutes each day.  It’s vital for mental fitness and I think you’ll find that you’ll cope with stress and anxiety better.

Make each moment count double (especially if it’s a quiet one),
Joi

Filed Under: Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , ,
April 28, 2010 2 Comments

Relax, Max! How to Keep Stress From Breaking Your Heart

Everyday Health recently ran a great article on Heart Health: Preventing Heart Disease. There was, of course, the “expected” (yet golden) advice:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat more fiber
  • Get at least 10,000 steps in daily
  • Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 6 days a week
  • Have a great night’s sleep

As someone utterly fascinated with the mind-body connection and someone who firmly believes that the two influence one another greater than we’ll ever truly realize, I wasn’t terribly surprised to find the following advice:  Relax!

Stephen Sinatra, MD, a cardiologist and assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut had this to say in Everyday Health’s article, “People who see the world optimistically — who see the cup as half-full — [typically] do not get heart disease, as opposed to people who are more pessimistic, who worry all the time, who live in fear — these are the people who have hormonal responses that lead to heart disease.”

If that doesn’t spell it out, I don’t think it can be spelled.

Finding ways to relax and unwind aren’t just necessary for our emotional and mental well-being, health, and happiness – they’re pivotal to our physical health as well.  Our heart doesn’t want any more stress or upheavals in our lives any more than our brains do!

People who tend to stress and mentally grind about things know who they are. Truth be told, they want very much to relax but often don’t know where to start.  There isn’t a deep, mysterious secret to learning how to relax. On the other hand, it isn’t as easy as opening a can of Diet Coke either.  Those of us who were born in a sort of zen state and have never seen any reason to leave it tend to forget that sometimes.  We’re like, “Relax, man, just relax.”

Easier said by some than done by others.  We’re all wired differently, after all.  What’s more, isn’t it a good thing we are?!  I can’t imagine a world filled with zen-bots any more than I can imagine a world filled with stress-n-steins. Either arrangement would make me want to hide in the attic.

When all’s said and done, however, those who tend to stress out, worry, fret, and get their drawers twisted on a regular basis MUST find a way to deal with life differently – otherwise, it’ll deal with them in a completely unacceptable way.  To the tune of heart disease.

Below are a few steps to consider if you’re one of the many, many, many people who are looking for more relaxation.

  1. Remind yourself, as often as needed, that this is life and unexpected things are going to happen. Disappointments, broken appliances, flat tires, arguments, rude co-workers, bad colds, burned meatloaf – and so on – are going to happen.   I’ve never understood why people flip their lids over things that can be fixed.  Save the lid flipping for those things that can’t.  I remember one particularly fun month when my vehicle, our oldest daughter’s vehicle, and our middle daughter’s vehicle ALL needed trips to the mechanic.  My husband never batted an eye.  I thought, “Wow. He’s handling this all amazingly well…”  Then I overheard him telling one of our girls, in a matter-of-fact way:  “It can be fixed.  Not a big deal.”  A perfect lesson:  If something can be fixed, why stress?  Save that for things that can’t be fixed, replaced, or done without.
  2. Don’t expect life to be fair. No one ever said it would be.  Sometimes bad things happen to good people and sometimes good things happen to bad people.  Sometimes your college professor will be wrong and you’ll be right – you’ll know it the whole time you’re staring at the B- on your paper.   Sometimes you’ll try a new exotic recipe that you’re excited about and your spouse won’t even take a second bite!  That’s life and no one said it’d be fair.  You aren’t in it alone – and life isn’t singling you out.  No pity parties allowed.
  3. You know the old saying that starts out, “All work and no play…”  The 2010 version would be, “All work and no play invites stress over to stay.” If your mind is on work and/or making money for the majority of your waking hours, you need to reevaluate.  There’s more to life than money and work!  Take time and make time for enjoyment.  Sit down and watch an NBA or MLB game.  I’m a huge baseball fan and can think of few things more relaxing than kicking back on the couch with a snack and watching a baseball game.  I’m there – body, mind, and soul – from the first pitch to the last.   For those few hours, nothing needs to be done or taken care of…. except maybe a few appeals to the umpire regarding his inconsistent strike zone.  Have a wide one or have a narrow one – just be consistent.  No accordion strike zones when my Cardinals are playing, thank you very much.  As a sidebar, following sports can be a great mental workout – keeping up with names, numbers, teams, managers, averages, wins, losses, divisions, and so forth, is a fun way to stay mentally active and a great way to challenge yourself.  A few days  ago, I grabbed pen and paper to see if I could name all of the National League teams and all of the American League teams.  I did really, really well – I just put the Marlins in the wrong league and totally forgot about the Lions.  Sorry, Detroit.
  4. Take up Birdwatching. Seriously.  Grab a few bird feeders, a bird bath, and even a house or two.  Fill the feeders with seed and the bird bath with fresh, clean water.  If your completely into it like we are, you could even plant a flower bed nearby to make your feathered friends Garden of Eden even lovelier.  I promise you, when you watch these peaceful, feisty little feathered beauties, your stress level will hit rock bottom and your relaxation level will soar.  If you tend to stress and being tightly wound has become a way of life for you, I’m literally begging you to take up birdwatching.  You’ll feel better instantly. Call it your feathered tonic.
  5. Watch the Food Network. This is another great way to unwind and relax. When you come in from work, turn on the Food Network and chill.  Few things are more peaceful than sitting back and watching a cooking show.  Pick a few favorites and watch them regularly.
  6. Enjoy your favorite hobbies and create new ones. Some of my favorite hobbies are cooking, walking, gardening, birdwatching, reading, watching movies & sports, and learning new things.  Learning new things seems like an odd hobby, but I simply LOVE to research and learn about history, new places, animals, nutrition, and so on.  I also want to get back into crafts.  I used to sew, make pillows, and once started to take up quilting.  I would love very much to get back in touch with my creative and crafty side.  I also want to get back into cake decorating.  I used to make some real works of art (such as doll cakes when our girls were smaller – of course, they’d still love them muchly!)  If there are any hobbies or interests that peak your interest, head off to the craft section at your favorite department store – or a Hobby Lobby if you have one of those amazing stores – and have at it!
  7. If you enjoy golf, tennis, softball, or bowling – go for it. Also, if there’s one of these sports you’d like to learn – why not start this month?  The beautiful thing about sports is that you’re multi-tasking in a wonderfully healthy way – you’re relieving stress, unwinding, getting fresh air, AND getting heart-healthy exercise.  I’ll feel a little guilty while you’re outside doing all of that and I’m inside watching baseball, sewing, and planning my next extraordinary cake.  A little guilty… happy, but a little guilty.
  8. Take up yoga.  Whether you’re male or female, 10 or 70 – yoga is amazingly relaxing.  After 30 minutes of yoga, you feel almost like you’ve gotten a full body massage.  Now tell me that wouldn’t feel sensational!
  9. Take a walk. Very often, a nice 10 minute walk is all that’s needed to unwind and relax.  If 10 minutes doesn’t do the trick, keep going!
  10. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep (even if you shortchange yourself an hour or two) can make even the most relaxed, even-tempered person in the world a crank and a bundle of nerves.

If you do just one thing today (and it’s Wednesday, so we all know 1 is actually a reasonable number) – make it this:  Make up your mind to make your health and happiness a priority.  Your heart’s health should be one of the most important things to you.  It determines whether you live or not!  I can’t see something being any more important than that.  Find ways to relax and unwind and do so on a regular basis.  You HAVE to include some time in your day (each and every day) for total, complete relaxation.

Now off to to the store with you – the birdseed (and a more relaxed future)  is waiting.

Make each relaxing moment count double,
~ Joi

By the way… have you met my new favorite word yet? – Gambaru! Click the link and prepare to fall in love with the word as much as I have.

Filed Under: Must Reads, Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , , ,
December 22, 2009 3 Comments

Self Help Tips for Stress Relief

Stress is a common problem encountered daily, but it is not always bad. Stress often occurs when you take on too many tasks at once or you are preparing for something you are not used to doing. Your body responds as if it senses danger and produces cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are good in small amounts because they allow you to overcome certain obstacles in life. During a stressful situation, your body may produce excessive amounts of these hormones and it can have a negative effect on your body. Small amounts of cortisol and adrenaline are helpful for helping you through certain situations. For example, these hormones can help you react quickly if you are in a dangerous situation.

Some of the negative effects of stress include an upset stomach, back pain, insomnia, or headaches. Too much stress can also affect your immune system resulting in difficulty fighting disease. It may cause you to become moody, tense, or depressed, and this can have a negative effect on your relationships.

Because of these problems, it is important to learn proper stress management techniques. There are several changes you can make that can help you feel much better.

Don’t take on more than you can handle. By accepting a reasonable workload, you place less pressure on yourself and should be able to meet your deadline without any added frustrations.

Meditation is an excellent method of relaxation and this can help calm your body and mind. Meditation has many positive effects on the body such as helping clear the mind of any negative thoughts.

Another method of stress relief is to see things from a different perspective. With a different viewpoint, you may see the positive in an otherwise bad situation. This also allows you to have a more positive outlook on life, which can lead to many health benefits.

If you are suffering from stress, it is important to relax and find out what is causing this problem. After figuring out the cause, you can begin making changes to reduce the negative effects of your stress.

Filed Under: Positive Affirmations, Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , , , ,
December 20, 2009 1 Comment

Relaxation 101: Why You Need this Sound Spa Machine!

I don’t have to remind you of the benefits of relaxation or the dangers of stress.  You know how essential relaxation is to your physical and emotional health.  Stress wreaks havoc on every part of our bodies.  It’s imperative, then, that we find ways to totally and completely relax – as often as possible.

Experts recommend that we spend at least 15 minutes each day completely still and relaxed.  Sometimes it’s difficult to shut off the day and shut out the world.  That’s when I especially love my wonderful little sound machine.  The HoMedics SS-2000 Sound Spa Relaxation Sound Machine with 6 Nature Sounds, Silver is one of my favorite relaxation tools of all time. It’s right up there with hot green tea and bath time!

Product Features

  • 6 Nature sounds, ocean, summer night, rain, rain forest, waterfall and heart beat.
  • 15, 30 and 60 second auto off timer
  • Battery or adaptor operated (adaptor included)
  • Natural sleep aid
  • Great for the baby’s room

My favorite settings are Summer night, rain and rain Forest (the sound of rain and the sound birds alway takes me to another level of calmness). The waterfall and ocean are also nothing short of amazing. I believe the ocean is my husband’s favorite. I’ve found him sprawled across the bed after a long day of work listening to the waves crashing on the shore quite a few times.

I often use my sound machine when  I’m taking a bath – well out of reach of wet hands, of course.  The illusion of taking a bath in the rain, in the middle of a rain forest, or even in the yard on a summer evening is all that’s needed to melt away the day’s demands.  By the time the bath is over, I’m so relaxed I almost have noodle legs.

The heartbeat setting is pretty much one I leave untouched. However, it’s a setting that new parents – whether they’re the parents of a human, a kitten, or a puppy – swear by this setting for restless babies. They feel stress, too, after all!

As of today (December 20, 2009), if you jump over to HoMedics SS-2000 Sound Spa Relaxation Sound Machine with 6 Nature Sounds, Silver and place your order, you can have one of these sound machines delivered by Tuesday, December 22, just in time for Christmas. Simply choose One-Day Shipping at checkout.

Whether you have one in mind for a gift for someone else – or a treat for yourself, this could be the smartest $20 you’ve spent in ages.

Make each relaxing moment count!
~ Joi

Filed Under: Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , ,
October 26, 2009 3 Comments

Keeping Small Issues Where They Belong

Relaxed Squirrel!

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this:  To rise above the little things.  – John Burroughs

The quote above is a lesson in self improvement, self help, stress management, health, and happiness.  I think everyone should write this quote down on an index card and place it in the place they’ll see it the most often – on the refrigerator, by your desk, on your bathroom mirror… Small things (like the ones listed below) simply aren’t worth getting riled up over:

  • A leaking faucet.
  • Finding yourself low on gas.
  • The cost of gas.
  • A driver who pulls out in front of you.
  • A barking dog.
  • Having to run to the store for butter or milk.
  • Your team losing a game.
  • The server not bringing your refill as quickly as you’d like.
  • A slow internet connection.
  • And so on….

Think about it – these things are so trivial, they’re almost funny!  Yet how many times do people get hot and bothered over these very things… and often things even sillier.  Recently, my husband and I were eating at an Outback in Nashville, Tennessee (Amazing food!).  A group came in and were seated in a booth, by the window no less.  One of the women got ticked off because they didn’t get to choose their own booth.  There were only a handful available anyway!

If a person can get to the place where small things barely even register a response from them, they’ll be happier than they have ever been.  What’s more, they’ll experience stress so rarely that they’ll think they’ve been given a new lease on life. We spend a great deal of emotions needlessly on small things.  Then when then the larger problems arise – we don’t have much left in our tank.  The larger problems overwhelm us because we’re spent!

Start challenging yourself to handle life’s small disappointments and setbacks better.  Amaze everyone around you by smiling and even laughing when something cooky happens.  Several great things will happen: You’ll feel happier and more relaxed.  What’s more, anyone who sees you handling life’s little annoyances this way will think, “Wow. I want to be more like that!”  Before you know it, you and everyone you know will enjoy a much happier and calmer life.

Worth trying, right?!  The next time something starts to register on your stress scale, take a deep breath.  Then ask yourself, “What if this is the worst thing that happens to me this week?”   The diminutive nature of the problem will leave you amazed and probably even laughing!

Make each moment count double,
~ Joi

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Filed Under: Mental Fitness, Positive Affirmations, Quotations, Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , , , ,
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