Chill out!

Bogged down by deadlines, family commitments and a demanding social life? Take a deep breath...

You don't always need acupuncture, aromatherapy, hot-stone therapy or an Indian head massage to relax. There are many things you can easily do in the comfort of your own home to get rid of some stress.

Wash away the stress

Water has been used as a stress reliever for centuries. Go for a swim, sit in a sauna or relax in a Jacuzzi. Twice a month, soak your body in a hot bath to which you've added a cup of sea salt and a cup of bicarbonate of soda. It will relax your muscles and make you drowsy, helping you have a good night's rest and ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and energised.

Shake it off

Exercise releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) and also burns off excess energy, which would otherwise make you feel grumpy or irritable. Try Tai Chi, an exercise regime from the East, which has been described as movement meditation or an alternative form of yoga. It aids flexibility and relaxation. Here are a few exercises for you to try:

- If your body is feeling tired and stiff, lie on your back on a firm, flat surface with your feet slightly apart and your hands at your sides. Relax your arms and turn your palms upwards, with your fingers slightly bent. Lie in this position for 10 to 20 minutes while concentrating on your breathing. Before getting up, turn onto your left side and place your left arm underneath your head. Lie like this for at least two minutes before pushing yourself up with your right hand.

- Lie on your stomach with your legs slightly apart. Put your hands on top of each other, with the palms facing down and turn your head to the side so that your cheek is resting on top of your hands. Close your eyes and breathe rhythmically through your nose. This exercise is especially effective for calming you down after you've had a fight with someone.

- Sit with your feet shoulder-width apart. Rest your palms on your thighs. Close your eyes. Spend five minutes passively listening to sounds in the distance, until you feel relaxed. You can do this behind your desk or in a parked car. Try it after struggling through traffic on your way to an important meeting or after a disagreement with a colleague.

Sweet dreams

Lie on your back in bed. Close your eyes and place your hands in a comfortable position behind your head. Press your thumbs into your ears to shut out the external noise. You will hear a sound rushing through your head – that's completely normal. Listen to it for 10 to 15 minutes, then bring your arms down to your sides, relax and go to sleep.

Vitamin C

Researchers at the University of Trier in Germany have found that vitamin C helps us to relax and lessens our stress levels. Research subjects exhibited a marked lowering in levels of the harmful stress hormone cortisol, as well as lower blood pressure after taking 1 000mg vitamin C three times a day.

You can bolster your levels of vitamin C naturally by eating lots of citrus, strawberries, broccoli, guavas, spanspek, green pepper and tomatoes.

Laugh it off

When you laugh, feel-good hormones are released that inhibit levels of the harmful stress hormone cortisol, and bolster your immunity.

The joy of music

Some types of music, especially baroque music, calm you down by slowing your brain waves. Try listening to music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi (especially The Four Seasons) or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when you're feeling stressed.

Acknowledgement:  Ideas.co.za

Woman to Woman

My Beautiful World

It's Always Time for Romance

Increasingly busy schedules make finding time to escape for a romantic getaway with your better half nearly impossible. When we do make time for romance, it's usually limited to Valentine's Day. But according to Danielle Hanscom, owner and innkeeper of the Brampton Inn in Chestertown, MD-recently named to the American Historic Inn Association's "Top 10 Most Romantic Inns" list-jump-starting romance doesn't have to be limited to Valentine's Day.

"When people come to the Brampton Inn, our goal is to provide a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere, where they can escape from their daily lives and truly focus on each other. However, if you can't get away, you can re-create the same romantic ambience we have here at home-any time of year," says Danielle.

Creating an atmosphere of romance at home can be easily accomplished by simply breaking the routine and getting creative with what you've already got on hand. Danielle offers a few tips to help you get cosy with your better half and turn your home into a B&B-style hideaway:

• Eliminate all distractions. If you have kids, let the grandparents or friends take them for a night. Turn off the TV, shut down the computer and unplug the phone.

• Invite your better half to spend an evening alone with you. A simple note on fancy paper will do the trick.

• Have your favourite treat prepared and presented by candle-light. Short on time? Have dinner delivered or pick it up from your favourite "date night" bistro.

• Set the mood-light scented candles, have champagne chilling on ice, and "your song" or favourite romantic album playing in the background.

• Sleep in and instead of slaving away to prepare a gourmet breakfast, take time to savour a rich romantic coffee creation that will keep the romance going all day.

My Beautiful Body