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12 tips to relax your body (and unwind) throughout the day
There are some simple ways to improve both your mental and physical health
In today's fast-paced world, achieving mind-body harmony is a real challenge. How do you take care of yourself from day to day? We have identified 12 simple habits to practise on a daily basis to make the most of your day and help relieve stress.
1. Give yourself a quick hand massage
As well as relaxing sore muscles, giving yourself a massage will allow you to devote a moment to your own well-being. A great stress-buster, you'll be more focused, calmer and full of energy. To apply Ekos Castanha Moisturising hand cream with its velvety texture and Castanha oil, massage the palm of your hand with your thumb, then move up to the tips of each finger and finish by lightly pinching the skin between your fingers. Your hands will be soft, delicately scented and instantly toned.
2. Breathe
Try this out: breathe in deeply as if you were drawing air in towards the centre of your chest, repeat five times in a row. Breathe out slowly so that your chest gradually deflates. This simple calming exercise will instantly make you feel more relaxed and help relieve stress.
3. Take the weight off your shoulders
Sometimes we don't realise that we have spent the whole day with our shoulders tensed or hunched over, mainly because of poor posture when using a computer or sitting down. Using your fingertips, massage your neck with circular movements, starting at the nape of the neck and continuing down and to the sides. You can use a small amount of moisturising cream or oil for this massage, for example Castanha body lotion or Andiroba massage oil, so that your fingers slide more easily over the skin and don't cause any irritation.
4. Treat yourself to a massage
If you work at a computer all day your back deserves some special attention. To massage, relax and relieve stress, make your hands into fists, place them on your back and make small circular movements with your knuckles clockwise and then anti-clockwise, up and down the spine. When you're finished, wrap your arms around your body and stretch out your upper back muscles. Take advantage of your shower time to finish this massage using our Andiroba triple phase shower oil. When your skin and body are tired, there's nothing better than a scented shower to help you relax!
5. Relieve headaches
Even if you don't suffer from headaches, massage is an excellent way to relieve stress and can have a very relaxing effect. Simply draw circles with your fingertips on the scalp, making ever-larger movements and gently increasing the pressure of your fingers.
6. Experience the art of yoga
Yoga benefits both body and mind: it improves your heart rate, immune system and blood pressure. You can find free classes on YouTube to try yoga from the comfort of your own home.
7. Go easy on the coffee (or opt for a herbal tea).
Moderate coffee consumption isn't a problem, but when your habit turns into an addiction, its impact on your body becomes pretty negative. Because it contains caffeine and has a stimulating effect, it can cause insomnia and increase anxiety and even aggravate gastric reflux. If you can't give up your coffee completely, try to reduce the number of cups you drink each day by replacing at least one cup with a herbal tea. You may find that your problems vanish, even if only temporarily. It's not a trick of the mind: herbal teas contain substances with calming effects, especially botanical teas. Try a lavender infusion before bed for a good night's sleep.
8. Log out
Want to relax? Put down your electronic devices: phone, tablet, computer and television, all stimulate the brain and cause insomnia.
9. Go for a walk
Spend at least 15 minutes a day outdoors, especially if you feel nervous, restless or anxious. Use this time to clear your mind and manage your stress levels. Walk, be mindful of what's going on around you, enjoy the scenery or simply watch the bustle of the streets.
10. Take time to write
Most people find it difficult to express their feelings, to put into words what's on their mind or simply to explain how they feel. Why not put your problems on paper? Perhaps write a poem, a personal note or just jot down some potitive thoughts. Writing is a useful way of calming the mind and fighting stress. Are you disorganised? Make a list of your priorities and the everyday habits you want to develop.
11. Read positive texts
Keeping your mind focused on negative thoughts can become a harmful habit. Try to read books with positive thoughts, especially before you go to sleep. This can improve your sleep and make the day ahead more productive.
12. Enjoy some alone time
In this age of technology, we have forgotten what it is like to be alone and the peace it can bring us. If you start to feel lonely go to the cinema, the theatre or your favourite restaurant. Don't worry about telling anyone or finding someone to go with you. To feel in harmony with the world, first you must feel in harmony with yourself.
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