Given today’s economic climate, it is even more important to find ways to take care of oneself and reduce stress in a cost effective way. Relaxation can look very different for each individual. Figure out what is relaxing for you. If you don’t know what is relaxing then have fun experimenting!

Here are 10 quick and easy tips that can be helpful:

1. Take time out each day to something that you enjoy. Even if it is only for 15 minutes. It can make a difference in the quality of your day.

2. Take 5 minutes a day to just close your eyes and do some deep breathing.  Sometimes it even helps while your eyes are closed to visualize a color that relaxes you.

3. Listen to music that you enjoy. You can even dance or move with the music.

4. Do something once or twice a week to pamper yourself. It can be as simple as taking a bubble bath.

5. Exercise. Even if it is for 15 minutes a day. It can really help your mind, body, and spirit.

6. Don’t over-schedule. Be realistic about what can get done in a day. Most importantly don’t criticize yourself if you don’t get your whole agenda done. Most things can wait a day or two.

7. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Watch or read something that makes you laugh.

8. Get plenty of sleep. When you are rested it can help reduce stress and irritability.

9. Have a warm decaffeinated drink at night. It can help with avoiding late night snacking as well as soothe you.

10. Dim the lights in a room and light some scented candles or incense. Aromatherapy can calm the mind and the body.

Happy New Year to All!

Merrill Black, LCSW / Reiki Master

I treat a variety of issues using diverse modalities such as Hypnosis, Reiki, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches in my private practice at the Scarsdale Wellness Center in Scarsdale, NY   For more information call my office at (914) 722-1989.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 9:22 pm and is filed under Relaxation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.