Adams Media - The Little Book of Self-Care: 200 Ways to Refresh, Restore, and Rejuvenate

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If youve never had a hot stone massage, you are in for a one-of-a-kind experience. The stones are used in two different ways during the massage. One way is by applying heat to areas of the body to make the muscles relax and increase blood flow to speed up healing. Hot stones are usually placed along the length of the spine or at the chakra centers of your body. A towel will be between you and the stones, so dont worry about being burned. Another way the stones are used is as tools for deep tissue massage. Your massage therapist will cover the warm, smooth stones in oil and rub them on your body using long strokes in the area she is working on. This is an unbelievable sensation and one you will truly enjoy. If you are used to traditional Swedish massage, try this version instead.

Stepping out of a hot shower into a cold bathroom can feel quite unpleasant. Why give yourself more goose bumps with cold lotion? Heat up the lotion ahead of time and youll be in for a delightful treat. You dont need to use the oven or microwave to do this; just keep the bottle of lotion near or on your radiator or heating vent during the winter. The warm lotion will feel luxurious on your body.

Eating food without pesticides, hormones, and fertilizers is better for your body and for the earth. Organic food has become increasingly popular in the past ten to twenty years, as people are becoming more conscious of what they feed themselves and their families. Visit a grocery store that sells organic products, like Whole Foods or Trader Joes, and do your weekly grocery shopping. Organic food tends to cost a few dollars more, but it is worth it. You know what youre putting into your body, and you dont have to worry about anything unnatural.

Sleep is absolutely necessary for a healthy mind and body, yet many people dont get enough. Sure, you may unwind from work and have some fun, but if you dont get enough sleep, you are making yourself vulnerable to stress and illness. Spend some time modifying your sleeping habits if sleep is a problem for you. Set a bedtime, and stick to it. Keep technology out of your bedroom. Dont eat or drink right before bed. Limit (or eliminate) your intake of nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. If you still have trouble sleeping despite changing your habits, visit with a healthcare professional, as sleep disorders are common but serious conditions.

Start your day off right with a brisk thirty-minute walk. Early in the morning, before everyone is awake and the sun is just starting to rise, is the best time. Many people find it to be the most spiritual part of the day. Take this time to meditate and prepare for the day ahead. Its a great way to allow your mind to relax, and not only will you feel refreshed and centered, but you will also find that you have more energy throughout the day. Listen to some soothing music, or if you want to get your blood flowing, bring some dance or techno music. It has also been shown that if you have a difficult time exercising consistently, doing so in the morning will make it easier to develop a routine. Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast when you return from your walk.

Websites, YouTube videos, exercise books, and personal trainers offer differing advice on what stretch to do, how long to hold a stretch, how often you need to stretch, and so on. Every person is different, and you should follow advice that is personalized for your body. What is important is that you take the time to lengthen your muscles in some way. It helps to know the four types of stretches:

1. ACTIVE: Usually used before a training session. You can take almost any stretch and make it active by moving in and out of the stretch using your breath.

2. DYNAMIC: Involves momentum and muscular effort in order to move primary joints that are going to be used during activity. Big shoulder circles, leg swings, hip circles, and standing spinal rotations are all dynamic stretches.

3. PASSIVE: A relaxing, cooling, and calming type of stretch. They do not require you to hold your body weight and are mostly done in a seated or lying down position.

4. STATIC: Has no movement involved but muscles are recruited to hold the position, such as the yoga Downward Facing Dog pose.

Popsicles are a favorite summertime treat, but they are usually made with high fructose corn syrup and water. Instead, make your own popsicles using 100 percent fruit juice. Fill an ice cube tray with your favorite juice. Cover the tray with two or three layers of aluminum foil, and poke wooden sticks through the foil into each individual tray square (you can find sticks at your local craft store). Place the tray in the freezer, and wait until they are fully frozen. In a few hours youll have a delicious snack that is good for you. Try using exotic fruit juices, like mango or guava. You cant always find these types of popsicles in the store, and if you serve them at a barbecue, youll definitely impress your guests. Enjoy this guiltless snack today!

You brush your hair every day, but its a completely different experience when someone else does it for you. Ask a friend or partner to brush your hair. Have her use a large paddle brush so it makes your hair very soft. If she does it slowly and softly, it may be enough to put you to sleep. Offer to return the favor; even if she has short hair, she is sure to enjoy this wonderful sensation.

Using body oil is a fabulous after-shower treat to keep your skin moist and smooth. Just like any bath product, body oil can be pricey. You need only three ingredients to make your own, so why not? Natural beauty products are better for you and the earth. You will need: