Holiday Stress Tips to Stay On Top
Here "it" comes -- holiday stress. A s families negotiate where to spend Thanksgiving, and millions of us are making the empty promise to ourselves to start early on holiday shopping, the anxiety begins to build. And it only gets crazier from here. Choir practice for the kids, family gatherings at every turn, office parties, treks to the mall, baking...you know where this is headed. So what can you do about it? You may not be able to control the chaos of the season, but there are some steps to make sure you survive it unscathed. 1.Take time for yourself. YES, get a massage. Soak in a mineral bath. Listen to the silence of a snowfall. Even if there seems no possible moment you can claim as your own, close your eyes, breathe deep from your belly several times, exhaling the air loudly from your mouth. Do this whenever you need a "moment." 2. Utilize catalog/online shopping. Don't fight the crowds. From the convenience of your home or during an office lunch hour, catalog and online shopping can eliminate the headache of holiday stress tenfold. 3. Eat right. Some of the best goodies come out this time of year. While you shouldn't deny yourself the opportunity to have a piece of grandma's pumpkin pie, don't overdo it. Remember to eat plenty of veggies and fruits to help stave off the winter's bombardment of colds. 4. Give yourself the advantage. Consumption of alcohol, nicotine, drugs and caffeine elicit the body's stress reaction. Remember moderation; you'll be happier and calmer in the long run. 5. Don't skimp on the exercise...but allow yourself to be excused from the routine when need be. Exercise helps melt the stress away and can provide that moment of clarity in a hectic day. 6. Don't try to be Martha Stewart. It's easy to get caught up in the spirit of the holidays with new decorating ideas, fancy dinners and the whim to make all your gifts this year. Be realistic and honest with yourself. Don't set yourself up for failure. Hire a caterer. Have friends help by having a craft day. Forgo making the gift wreath and give a gift you'll know they'll appreciate -- a massage. 7. Remember the spirit. When it's all said and done, no one will remember that the turkey was a little dry, that the sweater didn't fit, or that you were a few minutes late for rehearsal. What do they remember? The precious moments with family and friends. Originally published in Massage Bodywork magazine
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MUSIC MATTERS
Alongside my experience as a trained massage therapist, I have a continuing, life-long passion for music. I am moved by music and often it is the first and most important aspect of taking me "away" to another mood, and bringing me into the present. Music moves me as it moves many people. Being massaged and listening to music are two of the great pleasures in life, but all too often, a massage is conducted to a randomly-chosen New Age CD. Massage married to perfect music is a radically different experience. A truly music-loving therapist wants to the recipient to leave the session aurally-transported and more wholly satisfied. For me music also helps with my timing and rhythyms, especially during a Lomi session. For routine clients, I have often made custom playlists, but as well have found that many enjoy what I have selected. The creation of the perfect music/massage session hinges on choosing the right music for the session. A good DJ knows how to fit the music to the mood of the audience, and this is particularly important when combining music and therapy. The client is generally in a surrendered state with heightened receptivity and the slightest input can affect the body and mind in a magnified way. The proper auditory ambiance can really help the client "drift away". While the wrong music (or volume) can be jarring, and cause restlessness and unease. When I receive a massage I personally enjoy taking a musical journey around the world – ambient and sometimes rhythmic tracks from different genres, multi-layered and complex. Because of my musical training the brain receptors seem to be able to cope with more auditory information. This might not suit everyone and indeed people generally find it easier to reach a state of 'no mind', if the ears don't have to wrap themselves around music that requires more conscious and dedicated listening. If you have noticed this difference and would like to share a comment, please do so. For more information on music and massage contact me through this site. |
A Really Good Massage BlogAbout MeI write about things that I myself need to be mindful of. ways in which I would like to improve. It is not from the perspective of preaching - but rather writing helps me work out what I myself need to do - we are all in this together.
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