Homecare Advice To Combat Stress
Epsom Salts
The use of Epsom salts in a hot bath increases detoxification & circulation through elimination by drawing toxins from the body which reduces inflammation & relaxes muscles. Magnesium sulphate is absorbed through the skin during the bath which has a sedating effect on the nervous system.
Procedure
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Dissolve full cup of Epsom salts into a warm bath 39-44C
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Sip cool water while bathing for 20 min &/or
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For optimal results follow bath with a shower 10C cooler than the bath water temperature &/or take a half-hour nap
Tension Tonic
Certain essential oils are specifically known for their tension-relieving and stress-reducing properties. Now is the perfect time to re-visit your pantry for any of these stress-fighting elixirs...
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Lavender
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Roman chamomile
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Lemon
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Eucalyptus
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Rosemary
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Marjoram
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Bergamot
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Frankincense
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Clary Sage
Keep Hydrated
Water makes up 60% of our entire body. It regulates temperature, transports nutrients, carries away waste, fuels our muscles and metabolism rate. After three days without it, we die. Stress thrives in a dehydrated environment so to minimize its damaging effects be sure to drink up and stay hydrated!
Vitamin C & Other Nutrients
Cortisol hormone release by the adrenal glands in response to stress & anxiety can rapidly deplete ones supply of antioxidant Vit C. Vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin which needs to be replenished daily to help cope with stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue and mood! B vitamins and D3 are other nutrients that commonly deplete during times of physical or emotional stress. Make sure you get enough to combat stress and keep your immune system firing strong!!
Notepad & Pen
Journal your scrambled thoughts away, scribble down a few swear words or make a list and check it off! All great ways to combat stress and clear a jumbled mind.
Foam Rolling & Massage Ball
Has your Massage Therapist closed up shop for the COVID-19 pandemic? Try this knot-busting exercise at home to tie you over until the clinic re-opens. Use a tennis-ball, pool noodle or rolling pin to roll over painful knots or release areas of tightness or tension. Apply a bit of heat first to help “soften” and relax these areas before applying the pressure to add to its effectiveness. A gentle stretch afterwards is also recommended. If the area being treated is prone to inflammation, apply an icepack or rub in a bit of anti-inflammatory ointment like Cryoderm, Voltaren or Biofreeze to finish off.
Heat...Pressure...Gentle stretch...Cool
But don’t get used to all this DIY care!! Your Massage Therapist will be back in business soon!!!!
All body cells, including your muscles, heart and brain need adequate supply of O2 in circulation at all times to keep them nourished and firing at full capacity. During times of stress, usually without much conscious awareness, shallow or “apical” breathing patterns become our human norm. Essentially, our bodies have forgotten how to breathe properly. Our deeper respiratory muscles may become weak or atrophy. This diaphragmatic breathing exercise will help re-train our lungs & muscles to breathe properly and fully, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress and anxiety.
SEE Below for instructions.
Exercise & Stretch Regularly
Now may be the best time to get physical activity into your daily routine. Yoga (sitting or standing), brisk walks, low impact/resistance exercise such as swimming or elliptical work are also great options if they are available to you.
Meditation
Shut off that racing mind!!! Slow the brain and slow the body! Re-prioritize, re-load and re-set!!
SEE below for a simple meditation exercise that everyone may benefit from.
Live with Gratitude
Live every day viewing your cup half-full. Count your blessings, tell those you love that you do so and show appreciation. Grateful people are the most resilient and happiest people on earth regardless of circumstance or situation.
REMEMBER
Resilience does not mean that you will never falter and fall. But It does mean that you always get up!!