Combat Stress!--Get in Touch with Your Sensual Side

After a long, trying day, I often find myself developing dreaded tension headaches due to stress and tightened muscles in my neck and shoulders. Tension headaches only perpetuate the cycle of stress, leading to a greater degree of it--the physical manifestation can lead to irritability and stress-related eating.




This in turn triggers guilt and--you guessed it--more irritability. It's no wonder then that I often find myself grumpy and short with my spouse when he finally arrives home from a similarly long day.




There are definitely days when I feel as though I cannot escape this constant rotation of events which just heaps further tension on my mind and body. I am sure that with the never-stop society we live in, you feel this way, too. But you can break free. Open up your day planner this instant and schedule in some "me time," and then let me show you how to maximize it!




Are you a stress-eater, as I mentioned I tend to be? If that's the case, treat yourself! But do it in a smart way. If you reach for a bowl of ice cream for comfort, then try a fat free or low-sugar alternative. You can also try stocking your freezer with non-fat frozen yogurt OR give regular yogurt a chance and just mix in some indulgent toppings like fresh fruit or even a few cookie crumbles.




Using yogurt as an ice cream alternative will help you reap tremendous health benefits while still spoiling yourself by giving in to the cravings. But if your fix is chocolate, then the key to mastering your longing is portion control. Keep a single square of rich dark chocolate waiting for you each day and then take time to absolutely savor it.




Chocolate helps release endorphins into your brain which will help cheer you up, but the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants are released into your system, so you can take advantage of a perfectly legitimate excuse! Slowing down to enjoy it will help to banish thoughts of the day and keep you from overindulging to the point of inducing guilty feelings later.




Spend some quality time with your senses. After all, the day has just gone by in a blur. Getting back in touch with your sensual side is like plugging back into life. I love lying down for a few minutes with my heating pad, which helps to ease tension from my muscles, while listening to soft music. Other days, I go for a walk and listen carefully to the birds singing as I take note of how the hills and fields look.




Remember to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch life. If you take time out for yourself to do so, life will touch you in a return, but in a whole new way.

To help you get even more in touch with your sensual side, try a set of luxury pajamas made by Elizabeth Allen (http://elizabethcotton.com) and feel the stress melt away. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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