How to… take it easy

I’ve noticed that time seems to run faster and faster from year to year. We wake up, take a bath, eat breakfast in minutes, start the car engine and burst into the packed streets with traffic in every corner of the city. Living in a big city can be stressful – especially when that city is perpetually under construction and sports innumerable road blocks We waste so many hours trying to get to places, spending 2 hours getting from home to the office, when it should only take less than half an hour.

Traffic is one headache but there are other conditions that we face everyday that increase stress. Stress can have a bad effect on us, physically and mentally. If a change that can alter a stressful situation seems too far away, we might want to find ways out of stress by looking within, or finding joys in the simplest things. Here are some stress-beating things we love :

A nice bath

What can be better than lying in the tub after a long day? Taking your time during a bath feels great. It is no longer a matter of hygiene, but pleasure. By doing it in a way, a special way, it relaxes the mind, body and soul. We need to create the right ambience to harmonise the way we want to feel, so be creative in setting up the aura and indulge in the tub. The sensual and physical pleasure can be so appealing. Light some candles, turn off the answering machine and phones and just listen to the soothing sounds of water and the soft sound of your favourite uplifting music. Drink chamomile tea to calm the senses or a glass of wine. Smell the calming and soothing the scent of lavender or jasmine essence. Stay fresh and relaxed.

Hugging

Hugs are the most common way to show love and affection. We all have the need to be cared but sometimes there is too much stress and work to be done, and we become too busy to hug. Go home and hug your spouse, it will go some way in alleviating worries and pressures. Or hug your kids. Feel the smile and joy in their faces. They will brighten up your day. Though most of what we do is for the sake of our loved ones, we forget the basics; affection and expressions of love. Our minds have taken us away and somehow we’ve forgotten the simple remedy to brighten up the day. Hugs!

Thinking positive

How many times have we heard this? Countless. It has been said hundreds of millions of times, everywhere. We stay focused on thinking positively each and every day, whether it is for us or to motivate other people. Before negative thoughts intrude into our mind, examine them and push them away. When we run certain positive affirmations through our minds we will eventually feel our mood begin to lift. Repeat any positive affirmations at least 10 times a day. It is healthy for the mind and soul and will leave us relaxed to face challenges ahead. Even when we do it for others, it will come back to us. When we see other people happy and free from stress because of us, we will be happy too. Happiness spreads!

Discover spas

There are reputable spas across all over the world with a good spa atmosphere and well-trained therapists to heal our tired mind, body and soul. Going to spas regularly not only enhances physical beauty but the soul and mind as well. The tranquillity and serenity of the space, the aromatherapy, and the tender treatment from the therapist in a spa is all part of a healing experience. Be warned: Picking the right spa is key,, a crummy worn down place with untrained therapists can worsen the day, so check out www.maxx-m.com for the best spa recommendations in town.

Leave your work day at the door

Forget the deadlines back at the office as your feet walk out the office door. It is just a job. It does not have to envelop our entire being. Do what you like and eat what you want, but stay healthy. Go to a nice lounge, kick back, order a drink and think about enjoy the company of friends and family. Commit to the moment and the company, and leave the worries about work for work hours.

Laugh!

Have we laughed today? There must be something to laugh at; our own acts, a hilarious incident at home or office, a funny movie or a joke . Laughter indeed is the best medicine. This has been proven by doctors and health care professionals. It lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and improves immune functions to fight diseases. Laughing produces antibodies that prevent us from harm. The endorphins produced from it generate natural painkillers for the body and produce a sense of wellbeing. Learn to laugh, and laugh often; it is contagious, breaks down barriers, draws people in. Plus, laughs are for free anyway.