As most of us now know, stress is the number one factor in illness and disease. The pressures of today’s Western Lifestyle have us constantly running around in circles, chasing our tails. The accumulation of this daily stress plays havoc with not only our health but also our skin!
Relax and Breathe
We constantly criticise ourselves for not having a good enough job, not earning enough money, not being a good parent, not looking good enough! OMG no wonder we’re stressed. Take a HUGE step back. Take 10 minutes out of your day and just breathe! Do this simple exercise and notice the difference in your mood, energy and appearance, oh and it wont do your blood pressure any harm either.
- Lay or sit down in a comfortable position, whatever you can manage.
- Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath
- Think about the breath entering and leaving the body,breathing through the nostrils, allowing your chest to rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale.
- Try to consciously slow the breath down allowing it to naturally deepen.
- Bring your attention to your shoulders, allow them to relax, relax the muscles of your face, allow the lips to gently part, relaxing the jaw.
- Think of the area between your eyebrows the frown muscles. Feel them release and relax.
- Scan your body internally, becoming aware of any tight spots, try to relax them.
- Keep gently but deeply breathing for a full 10 minutes.
- Slowly open your eyes, smile and have a good stretch, soak up the relaxation you now feel.
If you follow this routine as often as you can, preferably daily. You will see rapid improvement in the tone and look of your skin, as it is flooded with vital nutrients and oxygen. The muscles will relax and your overall well being will improve dramatically!
