I Need a Massage

So the past couple of days have been kind of rough. What with finding time to get a workout in and working practically all day every day I haven't had a whole lot of time to just unwind, or get rid of some soreness. Good news is that I have found a couple ways to get rid of some soreness and stress in a decent amount of time. 

Lets be honest most of us don't have the time to take a full body ice bath after a workout every day. Filling up the bath with cold water and putting ice in it, then actually laying in it for 15 or 20 minutes just isn't going to happen. Instead after a workout take a cold shower! We generally take 10-15 minute showers anyway why not turn it into a rehab as well? The reason we are told to put ice onto a sore spot or a swollen area is because the ice makes our blood thin and it moves more easily through the swollen area. Which means more white blood cells to help with repairs! 

Feet sore and no one wants to touch them? Sit in a chair and place a tennis ball under your foot then simply move your foot back and forth over the ball. This makes for a great arch massage. It feels amazing and you can do it if no one else wants to give you one! You can even do this at the office! If you want a deeper massage use a denser ball. 

Foam rollers are kind of the same concept. Only you can use them on your whole body. I highly recommend investing in one. They are fantastic!

We have all heard about how yoga is a great way to relax and release some stress, which is very true. But not everyone can afford the classes let alone have the time to attend them. So here is what you can do instead. In a dark quiet room lay on the floor facing up. Close your eyes and while breathing deeply and steadily flex your muscles one at a time. Start by clenching your fists and toes then flex your calves and biceps. Work from your extremities inward. Lastly scrunch up your face. While your whole body is flexed and tight take two deep breathes and begin to slowly relax your body in the same fashion. As you release your tension really focus on deep breathing and feeling your stress exit the body. This is one of the simplest forms of yoga and it takes a total of 30 seconds. If you want to give it an extra little boost light a mint or jasmine candle. Both of these sents are said to help relieve stress. 

You can also do this in a warm or cold bath too. It works wonders! 

Try some of these tricks this week and let me know what you think!

Eliminate unnecessary stress.

-Sonya