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Martha
Ramirez wrote her first children’s book, The Fabulous
Adventures of Fred the Frog, after becoming inspired by the
curiosity and fascination her toddler has with books. She lives
with her husband and son in Northern California, where she is
currently working on her debut novel.
 How
do you break from the stresses and strains life fiercely demands?
One simple word, relax. Easier said than done, which proves
why the US has more people suffering from depression and anxiety
than any other country. When was the last time you took time
out for yourself? If you’re like every other American, chances
are you can’t remember. Mental relaxation is often neglected.
Few people take time out to listen to their bodies.
Do you find yourself returning back home a few moments after
leaving because you couldn’t remember if you locked the front
door? Or perhaps it was the garage door.
The mind can get cluttered with thoughts. Loss of memory
is a sure sign that you are not taking the time out to relax.
Below are several techniques that can help aid in harmonizing
your body and mind.
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Yoga is a gentle and relaxing way
to calm the soul. At the same time, you gain flexibility
and muscle tone for a strong mind-body balance. It can
also relieve back pain and arthritis (check with your
doctor before attempting any exercise if you have back
problems). It increases circulation and enhances your
overall mood, but most importantly, practicing yoga will
revitalize your mind and renew your spirit, clear your
mind and increase energy.
More info: Life
Positive’s Benefits of Yoga
Yoga
Site’s Intro to Postures |
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Meditation. Take a moment every day
and take control of your mind. The mind loves to wander-guide
it in the right direction. By allowing meditation to be
part of your life, you invite inner harmony and can improve
your mental health. The mind processes thousands, if not
millions of thoughts every day. It is important to quiet
the mind and give it the attention it deserves, even if
it’s only five to ten minutes a day. Any time is
better than no time at all. In addition to inviting serenity,
it will help you sleep better at night.
More info: Health
Banquet
Hope
and Help for Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes
Clinical
Studies on Meditation |
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Pilates can help invite serenity.
It exercises the body and mind by concentrating on working
with different muscle groups. This helps create better
posture, allowing blood to circulate better. It also requires
you to focus on the proper way to breathe. No equipment
is necessary, just the will to exercise your body and
mind. Though similar to yoga, Pilates concentrates more
on fitness. Why do it? It sculpts the body and strengthens
the core as it improves your mental health.
More info: Pilates
Moves
Benefits
of Pilates |
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Tai Chi improves energy and reduces
stress. It also increases flexibility and lowers blood
pressure. With its slow movements, it relaxes the mind
and increases stamina. Why has practicing Tai Chi become
popular? Because it improves balance, flexibility and
increases energy. It is also known to slow bone loss in
women after menopause.
More info: Mayo
Clinic |
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Deep breathing helps quiet the mind.
The trick is to take deep breaths from the abdomen rather
than using only your upper lungs. Your stomach should
balloon out with each breath. Deep breathing has been
known to decrease depression and anxiety. It increases
vitality and promotes relaxation. It’s no wonder
why the world is filled with stress. We all forget to
take a moment to breathe right. Looking for breathing
exercises? Dr.Weil shares three exercises here:
More info: Dr.
Weil’s Three Breathing Exercises
Healing
Daily’s Breathing Exercises
Women
to Women Benefits of Deep Breathing |
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Visualize peaceful images. Filling your mind
with soothing mental images relaxes your well-being.
Use your senses to imagine serene portraits.
Hear the water trickling over the rocks in a
river.
See the beautiful colors of the sun setting behind
the horizon.
Feel the small grains of sand between your toes.
Smell the sweet scent of flowering plants.
Taste the crisp air.
Visualization is just as important as finding the right
thoughts to fill our minds. The body doesn’t know
the difference between reality and imagination. It reacts
to each visual image as if it were actually happening.
Fill your mind with uplifting and relaxing images, it
can do wonders for your health.
More info: Dr.
Eva M. Selhub’s Remedies To Tackle Stress in Your
Life
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Massage. Everyone deserves a massage
every now and again. Don’t have the time? Make an
appointment for a short session. Even a simple neck rub
can help ease the mind. Does it seem too self-indulgent?
Not really. If it is part of your wellness routine, it
can reduce tension, improve circulation and calm the nervous
system. It promotes a sense of relaxation, something we
all tend to lack. Don’t have the cash? Don’t
worry, you can learn how to give yourself a massage here.
More info: Massage
Den’s Health Benefits |
Free your mind and body from stress and everyday worries.
Take time to relax. Make time for your health. Be patient,
relaxing is a skill that has to be practiced. It takes time
to learn how to relax. Once you find serenity, a whole different
world is possible.
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