Healthier & Happier for the holidays: The importance of self care

Hello all. Sorry for the several week gap in my posts.Life has been nuts and I'm working hard to stay healthy and keep my "Life in Balance". We bought a new house Thanksgiving weekend and have been gradually moving. So needless to say we've been busy, not to mention the holiday season activities with family and friends.   For me, part of keeping balance is deciding  what are my priorities each week.  Priorities aren't just the activities I pursue, it also means taking time to take care of myself and actually schedule self care. May sound a bit crazy but it really helps to keep me sane and more relaxed.

Self care is a is exactly what it sounds like: taking some time to be good to yourself and it can be done in ton of different ways. You also don't need a lot of time to practice it.WhenI have a full day off, I definitely take advantage of it, but thats not a typical amount of free time for most of us.  Instead try to plan 2 things a day. They don't have to be long activities either. Check out some easy and quick things you can do to help take care of your body:
 
1)First step of self care: Banish the guilt. I spent way too many years of my life as a workaholic. Guilt used to be my middle name. Believe me, if you feel guilty about taking time for yourself, it kind of defeats the purpose. Life is meant to be enjoyed. This means that if you're tired it is ok to take that nap, you'll feel better. If you need to recruit the help of friends and family to get 10 or 15 minutes of "you time" thats ok too. When they realize you are a nicer person to be around when you have a few minutes to relax, they'll be happy to assist and they will want to spend more quality time with you as well.

2)Part of my self care is of course taking the time to cook myself healthy and nourishing foods. I love seeing my family over the holidays but I can't help but notice the insane amount of carbs ingested and lack of veggies at holiday mealtime. (A huge thank you to my sister in law Eriko for making my brussel sprout slaw on Christmas eve, it was much appreciated!) So all week I've started my mornings off with a nice green smoothie.

3) Next up hit the showers, or if you have time, enjoy a nice soak. While in there, a sugar or a salt scrub will not only help your dry skin, but its really relaxing too. Meditations in the shower are also a great way to relax.  While the running is running down your skin visualize not only, the grime of the day washing away, but also anything that stressed you out or got you upset. Literally, wash your cares away. For you Reiki practitioners out there, infusing Reiki energy into your shower head is a very energizing and soothing tool as well.  When you hop out be sure to moisturize. When your skin is still damp is the most effective time for your body to absorb that nice lotion. For other spa like experiences at home check out my  previous post : Treat Yourself to a Spa Day.

4) Treat yourself & Celebrate! No you don't have to have a party...we're reducing stress remember?! Once a week, if not daily, I reward myself for accomplishing my goals. I have various things I'm working on posted on little notes around the house. When I get to take one of these notes down because I've accomplished it I treat myself. Sometimes its an nice hour of restorative yoga other times I might buy myself something. Today for example, I'm treating myself for getting back in touch with this blog and attacking the massive pile of laundry that is amassing in my basement. So I used one of the gift cards I received to buy myself a compost pail for my kitchen and a cookbook I've wanted for some time. Rewards don't have to be things to be bought. Some days I jam out to a favorite cd or call a friend I've been missing. The idea is to give myself a warm fuzzy just for accomplishing the day to day tasks that make up life.

5) Another part of my self care is paying attention to my physical health. With some preventative maintenance I find the holidays (which can be rather stressful) can be a lot easier, to not only get through, but actually enjoy.  Over the past month I've been doing my annual checkups, just to be sure if there's anything I've been neglecting. Happily I received a clean bill of health. And with some of the new modifications I've made in my eating habits this year, some of my "not so nice" numbers actually have gone down.

SO, as you can see self care isn't hard. The hardest part is reminding yourself to do it. Its nice to get a pat on the back, especially when you're giving it to yourself.  I hope you each take a few minutes for yourself today any have a happy new year 2012!

Next post: 2012 is an exciting year, I'll be talking about all the great posts to come.

Treat yourself to a Spa Day.....at Home

I don't know about you, but this spring so far is a little bit stressful for me. I am so ready for the warm weather to arrive.  After overindulging during the winter on comfort food we're thinking about how to get the extra weight off before spring/ summer bathing suit season arrives.....Not to mention cleaning up our living spaces because of all the dust the winter dry air creates & the extra stuff we've acquired over the holiday season. Add a wedding about a month and a half away to the mix and I could really use some "me time".


In an ideal world, we should all be able to take a spa day, but realistically that usually costs a lot more money than most of us can afford. ( I'd love to head down  the road to the Hershey spa once a month for a chocolate facial but I'd need to win the lottery first). Here are some ideas to combat stress by taking a mini spa vacation at home.  These ideas are not only good for the planet,  and relaxing for you, but also good for your budget.

For a calming start to your at-home-spa session, dim the lights, light a fragrant candle, and let your mind wander while you soak in the tub.

You already know that it's good practice to exfoliate your face with a gentle scrub at least once a week, but don't overlook your body. Then scrub off all that pesky dry skin using  a good salt scrub (mine's NYR Organic Frankincense & Mandarin body polish).

For a homemade salt scrub mix: 1 cup sea salt, 6Tbsp vegetable oil with 8 drops of each  the following blend of essential oils:lavender , vetiver & ylang ylang.

A quick rinse off and then use a good body lotion, like NYR Organic Calendula & Oat body lotion.

Make sure to have some good meditation music playing in your home to get the true spa experience and take you away from all the stress & worries surrounding you at home.

Next up, slip into a comfy robe, and slippers…….. then onto the facial.  First, wash your face with your favorite cleanser. Then, treat yourself to a face mask.  If you’re channeling you’re inner (and more thrifty) Martha Stewart you can totally make your own with ingredients you have in your pantry. Here is one of my favorites:

Avo Beta Cream Masque
This combination of ingredients will improve your skin's texture, dimminish age spots & rebuild collagen when used regularly. It also helps to tighten your pores. Mix the following:
1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 carrot that has been cooked & mashed , 1 avocado (peeled, pitted & mashed), 2 Tbsp honey & 1 beaten egg.

Spread the mixture over your face & neck. Relax for 15 minutes. rinse with cold water. The thicker the consistency, the more intense it will feel on your skin.
Bonus: An avocado pit makes a natural massage tool. Rub & roll it against your skin to soothe tired muscles.

OR, if you want to use something that’s already made for you,  I can’t recommend NYR Organic products enough.  Here are a few good choices depending on your skin type:

Fighting Signs of Aging? Check out the Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask

For Normal Skin try the Rose Formula Antioxidant Facial Mask.  If you have Dry Skin the Nourishing Orange Flower Facial Mask is the perfect fit for you.  I have combination skin so I like the Palmarosa Purifying Facial Mask and Honey Orange Facial scrub.  These are also great choices for those of you with oily skin. Super Sensitive?  Try the White Tea Enriching Facial Mask.

After applying your mask, slap some cucumber slices on your eyes and lay back for about 10-15 minutes. Remove the mask, and apply a toner. Then, be sure to moisturize.

About now,  you should probably be feeling a bit peckish, so treat yourself to a nice spa lunch. Here is one of my favorite spa themed lunches which I tend to prep ahead of time, so I can truly relax during my spa experience.  This recipe is courtesy of food & wine magazine: Red Lentil Salad with Feta & Beets

After lunch I curl up with a good book until the family comes home and I have to return to the muggle world. I hope you enjoy your home spa days as much as I do. Make sure to treat yourself at least once a month.

Interested in trying out the luxurious products from NYR Organic Yourself? You can buy them here:

https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/MichelleKing

Re-energize with Restorative Poses

Ok, so the holiday hoopla is finally over, and if you're anything like me, despite having a few extra days off, you find yourself a bit drained and exhausted. First things first, please make sure you're drinking extra water, dehydration during these frosty months, with heaters cranked up, doesn't help with our energy levels.

Next plan to take an hour or so for some recovery time. I'd like to introduce you to the world of restorative poses in your yoga practice. Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Note that 'rest' is different than sleep. Rest provides the body an opportunity to renew and heal. It is also beneficial to practice restorative postures at the end of the day, before bed. This can slow the body and mind down, and prepare the body for sleep. Many who practice restorative postures (at any time of the day), find that they sleep better and their energy levels are higher. Here are a few of my favorite basic restorative poses:

1) Viparita Karani/ Legs up the Wall pose: Putting the legs up the wall is a very gentle way to do an inversion. It brings blood to the head and heart; and it can be practiced by those who are not inverting (such as those with high blood pressure or those on their menstural cycle.)

• Use a yoga bolster or fold and stack 2 thick blankets, creating a support that is 6 inches high and long enough to prop your hips and lower back.
• Place the blankets or bolster (length is parallel to wall) a few inches away from the wall.
• Curl your legs into the chest and turn onto your left side. Use your left arm as a support, and then roll onto your right hip while sweeping your legs up against the wall.
• Place your back and hips on the blanket. Your body should be in a straight line from navel to top of head and it should be perpendicular to the wall. The bolster or blankets should be supporting from the top of your tailbone all the way to your mid-back.
• your shoulder blades do not need to be on the blanets but should be resting comfortably on the floor.
• Try to keep your legs straight and aim to have the back of your thighs lying against the wall. To do this, try climbing each leg up the wall to get your hips closer to the wall. (If this is a problem for your hamstrings, slide your support away from the way and make sure there is a gap between your thighs and the wall.)
• Place an eyebag over your eyes and begin to breath. Allow your breath to relax your body as you settle into the position.
• Stay here for anywhere from 3-20 minutes, or as long as it feels good. Just remember to continue to breath into your lower belly, and to allow your body- joints and muscles to open into the posture. 

2) Adho Mukha Virasana/ supported child's pose:

It can be very restorative for a number of ailments and conditions. This posture is good for people with fatigue, headaches, hypertension, neck problems, indigestion, menstrual pain / PMS.

• Sit on your mat on your knees with your knees spread apart.
• Place a bolster or two between your legs and pull it in towards you.
• Lie down onto the bolster and place your arms out in front to either side.
• Place your face nose down in a towel cradle or spend equal time on each cheek.
• Move the bolsters and add or subtract support until there is little tension in your thighs and low back.
• Stay here and breath slowly and deeply for 2 or more minutes. 

3) Supported Pasichimottanasana /Foward Bend This restorative yoga pose is helpful for lower back problems or tight hamstrings. It opens the leg muscles, stretches the back and is wonderful to rest in.
* Props: Bolster or rolled blanket, pillow, yoga block.

• Sit in Dandasana, with your legs outstretched and your ankles together.
• Place the bolster or blanket beneath your knees, so your knees are comfortably bent.
• Place the pillow on your lap or legs, to rest your upper body on.
• Slowly begin to fold over your legs, making sure you feel no pain. It's good to feel a comfortable stretch, but if you feel any discomfort you should increase the height of the blankets underneath your legs.
• If you feel your neck or shoulders straining, you can use a block to prop your head on the pillow.
• Close your eyes and breathe for as long as you want,allowing yourself to relax.

Remember: "The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." ~Sidney J. Harris