Rest & Relaxation - An Important Pillar!

Hello friends!

This week I've learned a very valuable lesson. We all need to build rest and relaxation into our lives. Regularly. It's not a splurge to be well rested or to find time, each day, to unwind. It's a necessity.

Friday, the hubster and I were lucky enough to get massages. I hadn't had one in years. Why not? I didn't think I was worth it? I could always find something else I should be doing? No time?  Hogwash!

Holy. Cow. I needed that.

After some pretty tough workouts, sore legs, butt, arms, chest and shoulders (!! on the shoulders), I needed to back off and relax. Replenish. Renew. A day of fun stuff, a massage, lots of easy walking, and some diet splurges (Ted & Wally's Mint Chip ice cream!), and I felt like whole new me.

Did you know some of the benefits of massage are:

• Natural reduction in the stress hormone Cortisol
• Decreased stiffness and pain in muscles and joints
• Positive affect on a person's delta waves (deep/quality sleep patterns)
• Increased production of white blood cells (improved immune function)
• Relief from PMS's symptoms (Ladies!)
• Increased alertness and clarity overall
• Relief from migraines
• Increased and improved blood circulation (improved lymphatic drainage - your body's natural detox system)
• Massage has been found to relieve fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression and nausea in cancer patients. 

Ours is very similar to this one!

Plus, it feels REALLY good, right?  And, you don't have to pay through the nose to enjoy a good rub down. It's nice when the hubster offers to give me a back rub (and visa versa), but self massage can be a nice way to unwind and doesn't cost a thing! All the body shops in town have massage rollers and gadgets, we have a hand held one that is just smooth plastic with 4 legs with rounded/ball like feet. The hubster got a nice rub down with it this morning (it was his turn). It's also AWESOME for sore legs. 

My advice to you, friends, is to take a little extra time for relaxation. Every day. Even if it's 5 extra minutes in the shower, 30 minutes of reading before bed, self (or partner!) massage, or splurging on a pedicure with leg massage or full hour rub down. It doesn't have to be expensive to work.

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend and are rested and energized for the upcoming week. Until next time....

<3 Jen