Day 29: I Unwind

At the end of the day I find myself searching for something to eat as a way to unwind.  I am not hungry or thirsty, it's just a habit of mind that I have picked up over time.  When I find myself scrounging through the cupboards at the end of the night I stop and walk out of the kitchen. I might pick up a book, play music, read a story to James or Toby, or pick up the phone and call my parents.  I might also work out some stress on my foam roller.  I carry my stress in my shoulders and neck.  I know others tend to carry it in their hips or lower back. 

There are other techniques for muscle relaxation.  I also hit up the hot tub at the Y 2-3 times a week.  If you haven't had a massage, run don't walk to make an appointment.  It has been quite a while since I've stepped foot into a massage therapy session, but the experience is amazing and I am by no means a touchy feely person, so the thought creeped me out at first.  Not anymore!

Massage therapy can relieve back pain, tension headaches and also boost your immunity.  My mom suffers from chronic neck, back and hip pain.  One way she relieves this is through a deep tissue massage every 3 weeks.

There are several different types of massages:

Deep tissue- is more of an intense muscle relaxation.

Sweedish- promotes relaxation through through long, circular motions.

Aroma-Therapy- Boosts your mood through fragrance oils.  These oils can help with stress relief, relaxing and balancing.  One of the most popular types is lavender.

Shiatsu-the therapist moves and stretches your body in a sequence of positions.
Reflexology- More than a foot massage, pressure is applied to different points on the foot that correspond to different organs and organ systems.

Sports Massage- Faster than a Sweedish Massage, this massage helps work out muscles and prevent injury.

And my personal favorite: Hot Stone Massage- This eases muscle aches and improves circulation with heated rocks placed on key points. Ribs, between the toes, places you never knew were sore.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $25-$75 for a message.  If this skeeves you out, get a mani/ pedi.  Even a hand/ foot massage will help you unwind.