Toni-Lynn
08-08-2008, 11:20 PM
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There's nothing like a trip to the spa to make you feel refreshed and ready to face anything that comes your way. Unfortunately, spa treatments don't always fit into our budgets or our busy schedules. Instead, consider these quick spa breaks that you can squeeze in nearly any time of day.
At the office:
Do some deskercise! WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-at-your-desk) offers some great cardio, resistance and stretching exercises you can do in short bursts throughout your workday to keep yourself calm and creative.
If you have a door on your office, consider a five-minute power nap. Forward your phone, set the alarm on your mobile phone or computer and close your eyes. If you can't fall asleep, five minutes of guided imagery (picturing a relaxing setting, such as a beach or floating on a cloud) and deep breathing can really reduce stress. Or, put your favorite song on your mp3 player and rest your eyes.
Grab a handful of seeds. Green tea is full of heart-healthy Oxidants and can help pump up your immune system. Raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are packed with magnesium, which is known to relax nerves and muscles and improve circulation – just like a massage!
Do some tai chi or yoga. If you have an office with a door - or some very understanding office mates - a few quick tai chi or yoga poses accompanied by deep breathing can leave you feeling stronger and more peaceful. It's best to take a class or watch a video to learn tai chi, but you can also read a description of tai chi postures at kidshealth.org. (http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/tai_chi.html)
Only have a minute? Then rub on a facial stress gel or hydrating gel. It returns the glow and firmness to your skin, which can look puffy or dull when you are tired or under stress.
At home:
After a long day on your feet, soak them in epsom salts and follow up with a quick exfoliating scrub. They'll feel better and look better for sandal season.
Got five minutes of free time followed by a half hour when you won't have to wear shoes? Paint your toenails, of course!Painting your fingernails requires more planning and free time, but even a quick shaping or cuticle massage gives you a much-needed mental break while letting you feel like you've accomplished something.
Apply a teeth whitener. If your dentist approves, a teeth-whitening strip or gel can brighten your smile and make your whole face look less tired.
Apply a pore-cleansing strip or a clay mask. Or try both! The strips will clear out clogged pores and the clay mask will help pores look smaller. You'll feel like you just had a facial.
Using lavender-scented essential oil,give yourself a calming facial massage.Lavender is known for its calming properties, and the massaging motion will remove tension and stave off headaches.
There's nothing like a trip to the spa to make you feel refreshed and ready to face anything that comes your way. Unfortunately, spa treatments don't always fit into our budgets or our busy schedules. Instead, consider these quick spa breaks that you can squeeze in nearly any time of day.
At the office:
Do some deskercise! WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-at-your-desk) offers some great cardio, resistance and stretching exercises you can do in short bursts throughout your workday to keep yourself calm and creative.
If you have a door on your office, consider a five-minute power nap. Forward your phone, set the alarm on your mobile phone or computer and close your eyes. If you can't fall asleep, five minutes of guided imagery (picturing a relaxing setting, such as a beach or floating on a cloud) and deep breathing can really reduce stress. Or, put your favorite song on your mp3 player and rest your eyes.
Grab a handful of seeds. Green tea is full of heart-healthy Oxidants and can help pump up your immune system. Raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are packed with magnesium, which is known to relax nerves and muscles and improve circulation – just like a massage!
Do some tai chi or yoga. If you have an office with a door - or some very understanding office mates - a few quick tai chi or yoga poses accompanied by deep breathing can leave you feeling stronger and more peaceful. It's best to take a class or watch a video to learn tai chi, but you can also read a description of tai chi postures at kidshealth.org. (http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/tai_chi.html)
Only have a minute? Then rub on a facial stress gel or hydrating gel. It returns the glow and firmness to your skin, which can look puffy or dull when you are tired or under stress.
At home:
After a long day on your feet, soak them in epsom salts and follow up with a quick exfoliating scrub. They'll feel better and look better for sandal season.
Got five minutes of free time followed by a half hour when you won't have to wear shoes? Paint your toenails, of course!Painting your fingernails requires more planning and free time, but even a quick shaping or cuticle massage gives you a much-needed mental break while letting you feel like you've accomplished something.
Apply a teeth whitener. If your dentist approves, a teeth-whitening strip or gel can brighten your smile and make your whole face look less tired.
Apply a pore-cleansing strip or a clay mask. Or try both! The strips will clear out clogged pores and the clay mask will help pores look smaller. You'll feel like you just had a facial.
Using lavender-scented essential oil,give yourself a calming facial massage.Lavender is known for its calming properties, and the massaging motion will remove tension and stave off headaches.