FitSugar

Get Physical: Massage Deck

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 05:45:00 -0800

It's the weekend and we're all looking for a way to relax. Most of us also use the weekends to catch up with the significant other in our life, which is not always as relaxing as one would hope. This weekend, get physical (and relaxed) by giving each other massages. Worried that your massage skills are a little rusty?

Then you need to get The Massage Deck ($14.95) which features 50 easy to follow, beautifully illustrated methods for giving and receiving the perfect massage. Color coded by body region this portable deck includes detailed instructions for each technique, a reflexology card and suggested sequences for 20 and 60 minute massages. Learn how to soothe away stress and tension, relieve headaches and muscle pain as well as enjoy complete relaxation.

Also, you'll burn calories giving a massage as an 150 lb person who gives a 15 minute massage (while standing) will burn around 68 calories. Buy The Massage Deck online from Vickerey.

The 10 Most Popular Ways to Destress

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0800

Exercise is my go-to destress strategy, and if my primary goal is reducing tension, I prefer to work out without a buddy. While being active works wonders for me, there are times when all I want to do is pour a glass of red wine and escape with a good book. You shared some excellent ideas when I asked how you tend to get rid of stress; here are the 10 most popular ways to find release.

Massage
Sleep
Watch a favorite TV show
Clean or organize
Take a bath (glass of wine or champagne optional)

To see five more destress solutions, read more.

Write in a journal
Drink a cup of tea
Do something active: Take a walk, do yoga, go for a swim, or do high-impact cardio.
Cook or bake something
Hug someone

Source

5 Recession-Proof Ways to Relax

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Spa treatments and therapeutic massages are great ways to relax, but sometimes, the high price tag can work against the benefits. A lot of us need stress relief now more than ever, and thankfully there are plenty of cheap and easy ways to relax and relieve the tension. Here are five of my favorite recession-proof relaxation techniques.
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Do You Listen to Music to Help You Fall Asleep?

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:30:13 -0700

When I was in college, my roommate loved to listen to relaxing music to help her fall asleep. I thought it'd keep me awake, but it turned out to be a great way to de-stress and drown out the sounds of screaming people in the hallway. I kept the habit until I started dating my now-husband, since the only way he can fall asleep is with complete silence. What about you?

Relax Already: Play With a Pet

FitSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:00:00 -0700

People de-stress in different ways, and if soaking in a warm bath doesn't do it for you, try something a little more active and playful in the four-legged variety. Many studies show the health benefits of pets for relieving stress, reducing high blood pressure, and boosting your mood.

Calm your mind by playing with your pet. If you don't have one, canoodle with your friend's goldendoodle. Pet your neighbor's cat. Visit a shelter and play with the animals there. Aside from a cute face, cats and dogs provide unconditional affection, which is great after a stressful day.

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Relax Already: Become a Player

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

While it is true that we begin our slow mental decline as young as age 27, there is something you can do to keep your gray matter fit - playing creative games. Crossword, sudoku, and Set are great ways to stimulate your brain and create new neuron growth.

Challenging your brain is not only good for your cognitive health, but it can be a great way to de-stress at the end of a busy day. Concentrating on something other than your to-do list can really help settle a busy brain. You can play many of these creative games online, or find a good old-fashioned newspaper and have a crack at the crossword and the word jumble. It can be surprisingly relaxing to work your brain. What games do you like to play?
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Speak Up: How Do You Destress?

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0800

It's a wonderful time of year, with the Fall leaves changing and multiple holiday gatherings with family and friends in the pipeline. Unfortunately, the busy season can make our already thinly spread lives more stressful than usual, which can lead to overeating and restless nights.

Exercise is always an effective way to destress, but some women find solace in things like cooking, reading, watching an episode of their favorite TV show, talking it out with their partner or friends, taking a leisurely shower or bath, and even cleaning can be a productive way to work through built-up tension. What's your go-to destress tactic?

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Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800

The 10 Most Stressful Airports in the US

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

If you're traveling on Thanksgiving or the day before, you'll probably feel like those comforting mashed potatoes and silky pumpkin pie are well-deserved rewards for tolerating long security lines and over-stuffed overhead bins. According to Forbes' list of the 32 most stressful airports in the US, some of us might get out of this busy travel weekend having endured less stress than others. If you'll be traveling through one of the listed airports, try a healthier way to de-stress before digging in to the most comforting foods in your Thanksgiving feast. To see the 10 airports that are most likely to challenge your patience due to their poor records for on-time departures and arrivals, read more.

San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco, CA)
General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston, MA)
George W. Bush International Airport (Houston, TX)
Dulles International Airport (Dulles, VA)
Miami International Airport (Miami, FL)

To see the top five, read more.

LaGuardia Airport (Flushing, NY)
Newark International Airport (Newark, NJ)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (Jamaica, NY)
Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia, PA)

I am sad to see dear, old SFO made it into the top ten. Are you traveling through any of these airports this holiday season? Tell me which one in the comments section below.

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Relax Already: Take a Bath

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:30:00 -0800

It's the end of a very long day. You've cooked, you've cleaned and you've tucked the kids in bed. There is nothing on tv, you're sick of your book (and your husband for that matter) and all you want to do is unwind. Here's a thought: Take a bath.

Almost everyone has a tub but not everyone uses it for bathing (ironic, really). One way to calm down after a hard day is to draw yourself a bath.

Not into soaking in plain, old bath water, then read more

People pay good money to soak in therapeutic spa tubs, but you can create your own therapeutic bath at home. There are so many fun bubbles, oils, milks and soaks to make your bathing experience even more enjoyable. Dr. Hauschka, the holistic skin care brand, has a line of aromatherapy bath oils for any mood. If you're looking to de-stress, try the lavender or the spruce oils (or combine them both for extra aroma fun) for the soothing and calming properties in the herbs. The trial size kit is only $15.95 if you're not yet sure that bathing is your thing. Buy them here.

Fit's Tip: Put some fresh towels beside the tub before you start the bath... nothing kills the mood of a de-stressing bath like running naked across the cold bathroom floor to fetch a towel.