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Five destressing tips

Yoga for the tub
The great thing about yoga is that it can be done anywhere, even in the bath. Find out how to melt your stress away in the hot tub...

After a long day at work, the only thing you want to do is hop in a quick shower, watch TV and go to bed. Why not light some candles and run yourself a deep, aromatic bath and combine it with some yoga – you’ll be amazed at how relaxed you are afterwards.

  • Sit up in the tub, and support yourself by putting your hands flat on the bottom of the bath, below your calves.
  • Lift your feet up and place the soles flat on the end of the bath.
  • Now gently lower your upper body into a forward bend.
  • Slowly drop your head forward, relaxing your neck muscles.
  • Breathe deeply, relax into the stretch and feel the tension melt away.

Acupressure in the office
Sore feet? Here's a novel way of massaging them secretly in the office!

Just because you are at work, it doesn’t mean you can’t relax. There are a number of things that you can do throughout the day to reduce the physical symptoms of stress. Walking around the office or sitting at your desk barefoot (if this is allowed) is a great way to relieve aching feet. Take a golf ball or a rolling pin to work and roll your feet over them under your desk for your very own private foot massage.

Relieving tired eye's
Stress can take its toll on your eyes. Here's a quick way to relieve tired eyes after a day of staring at the computer.

Computer screens, neon office lights and late nights all put strain on your eyes. Lie on your bed or in the bath, close your eyes and apply two teabags or two slices of cucumber that have been chilled in the fridge. The coolness will constrict the blood vessels and reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.

Set the mood with lavender
Just the smell of this beautiful herb can melt away stress-related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, headaches and fatigue. You can make up your very own aromatherapy spritz bottle by adding two to four drops of lavender essential oil to a bottle cold water. Spritz your office or the rooms in your house throughout the day and breathe deeply.

Put your stress to bed
Staying up late to watch the ten 'o clock movie is okay once in a while, but hitting the pillow every night after twelve will take its toll on your body. If you are stressed, chances are you will not be able to get to sleep even if you turn in at nine, because too many worrying thoughts are flying around your head. Here are some ways to unwind:

Give yourself an aromatherapy massage. Use essential oils like valerian, majoram, chamomile, sage, lemon and sandalwood which are good for insomnia, as they induce sleep. Blend five drops of one or more of these oils with one teaspoon of base oil (this carrier oil can be sesame, almond or jojoba). Now warm some of the oil in your palm by rubbing your hands together. Using long, slow strokes massage yourself from toe to tip, always moving towards the heart. Let the oils sink in before you get into bed.

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