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Give the Gift of Relaxation

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:50:59 -0800

Here at Sugar, holiday season is already in full swing - you better believe I've been making my list for who's been naughty and nice! To make gift shopping a breeze for you, we'll be offering up a bevy of gift ideas in the coming weeks for all the special fit folk in your life.

Whether you have a zen mama in your life or know someone who needs to take a moment for themselves, we've got you covered. Take a look at our picks that will help anyone unwind from the day, breathe, and find calm in the chaos.

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Minutes to a Healthier You: Sing Your Heart Out

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Sometimes, we don't give enough credit to the little pleasures that can lower our stress levels and improve our quality of life. But if you like to sing, sing out. It's good for your overall health.

Throughout history and cultures, singing has been used as a way to express emotion and help people heal, and the same principles can be applied to our daily lives. Singing can help you relax, boost your mood, and open up your breathing passages. Other studies have linked singing to lowered blood pressure, while other research has shown that it can help people manage chronic pain.

So don't be afraid to sing in the shower, or wail along with your favorite song on the radio. At the very least, it will probably put you in a happier state of mind.

Relax Already: Make a Cup of Tea

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:00:32 -0700

Stress is a common phenomenon of a hectic workday, when everything speeds up to an unmanageable pace. To help slow things down and relax a bit, brew a cup of tea. This simple action can create profound results. Unlike chugging an ice-cold drink, sipping something hot takes time and a bit of patience. A cup of herbal tea like chamomile, known for its relaxing qualities, can provide a moment of calm and help you recharge so you have energy to tackle the rest of your day.

Do You Eat Poorly When You're Stressed Out?

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

No stranger to the scrutinizing public eye, Jon Gosselin - the daddy half of Jon and Kate Plus 8 - has been put through the emotional wringer lately. I'm not here to pass judgment on his family matters, but to point out his not-so-healthy snack: a Vitamin Water and what looks to be a knock-off version of Twinkies. While the Vitamin Water is fortified with vitamins, it also contains its fair share of sugars. The sponge cake treat probably has no nutritional value. Are these two items similar to foods you choose when facing emotionally hard times? It's common to reach for sugary treats and carbs for a quick rush of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. I'm wondering about you . . .

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Natalie Coughlin's Pre-Wedding Run

FitSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 03:00:00 -0700

She may have made her athletic mark in the pool, but Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin also loves to run. She began running in college as part of her aerobic conditioning regimen. Once she graduated from UC Berkeley, she continued to run to help calm her energetic pooch - a border terrier. But running doesn't just calm her dog; it works for her, too.

When Runner's World asked Natalie if she was going to run on her upcoming wedding day, she replied:

"Yes. I've spent a lot of time planning my run the morning of my wedding. I know I'll need to work off my nerves. The problem is finding a route that won't let my fiancé see me."

Nice to see that this athlete included planning for exercise along with all the other wedding planning. Working out is a great way to calm pre-wedding nerves. If you can't get out to do cardio, carve out 20 minutes to do some calming yoga moves before getting ready.

Need more wedding inspiration? Check out all of the Sugar network's wedding coverage here.

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Relax Already: Take a Two-Minute Minivacation

FitSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 -0700

I believe taking regular vacations is an important part of maintaining your overall health, especially your mental health. Unfortunately, most of us can't get away from our hectic lives as often as we'd like to. This is where the two-minute vacation comes to save your mental health by decreasing your stress level.

While at your desk, close your eyes to block out the piles of work and imagine a serene place. Once you have mentally arrived to your dream vacation, simply breathe for two minutes. Studies have found that taking four of these minibreaks through out your day can provide as much stress release as a 15-minute progressive relaxation session. I like to picture a shady island beach in Thailand. Where do you take your two-minute vacay?

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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

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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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Relationship Protocol: Are You Having More Sex These Days?

DearSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700

The word on the street is that couples are having more sex these days because of all the stress and overwhelming fear that's lingering in the air. And if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Sex is a great stress reliever and it's the one thing that can make you feel utterly connected to someone - a comforting feeling during these uncertain times. Since I'm of the curious nature, tell me, are you and your significant other having more sex these days as a destress mechanism?

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Relax Already: Adopt a Mantra

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

We've talked about our own workout mantras before, but mantras are amazing little things. They not only motivate you, a good mantra can also work to relieve stress, too. In fact mantras can help people stay calm by easing frustration and tension.

In the most simplest of terms, mantras can quiet your mind. Mantras are one of the easiest, and not to mention cheapest, ways to calm yourself down. A mantra is just a phrase or word that you tell yourself. Eventually your mind will associate your phrase with serenity; it's kind of like Pavlov's dogs and the bell. So find a phrase and when you're really feeling stressed, take a few minutes to quiet your mind and repeat it to yourself over and over until you start to feel the stress and tension release. The simplest mantra is just the word "breathe." It is one syllable and a good reminder to slow down and breathe deeply.

Do you already have a mantra when you are stressed? If so, share it below.

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