Sometimes what there is to DO is to GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

          Sometimes what there is to DO is to GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

 We all live such hectic lives, many of us are over extended and doing way more than we should be.  A few years ago I read an article that talked about how much less sleep we now get since the invention of the light bulb.  But it’s more than that.

In most other countries, folks take a break in the middle of the day to literally NAP… Yeah can you see that happening here? Typically it’s between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. 

 We as American’s work too much, eat too much pre-processed food, ingest in a number of ways way too many toxins, our air, food, water, medications, hair dyes, nail polishes, etc. I remember about 20 years ago now, my Mom had the carpet in their home professionally cleaned. I helped her put some of the furniture back when the carpet was dried within a few hours my hands, arms, feet and legs were covered in red itchy blotches.  Yup an allergic reaction to the CHEMICALS in the carpet cleaner.

 Sometimes what we need to do for ourselves is to give ourselves a break.

 Here are 10 suggestions to give yourself a physical break:

 1. Allow yourself a little extra sleep, whether it’s by going to bed a half-hour earlier or by sleeping in an extra fifteen minutes and then skipping your usual morning coffee stop. This is so so important. Sleep deprivation leads to heart disease, auto accidents, weight gain, and mental fatigue.

 2. Take a day off from exercising if you usually run, go to the gym, or participate in some type of aerobic class, give yourself a day off every now and then, maybe once every 21 days take 1 off.

 3. Skip the stairs and take the elevator or escalator—sometimes it’s perfectly OK to choose the path of least resistance, seriously I’m all about getting in any type of moving your body you can, but sometimes, its just ok to use the elevator or escalator. Give your knees a break. NO I am not saying every time, but once in a while.

 4. Replace strenuous exercise with something less intense, like yoga, aquatic yoga or a simple soak in the hot tub while doing some simple stretches. Give your muscles, tendons, etc the break they need too every now and then.

 5. Relax in a sauna or steam room to relax your muscles and sweat out chemicals that build up in your body. This is the most amazing thing and it really doesn’t take that long, you’ll be amazed what a 20 minute steam can do for you.

 6. Utilize a good healthy detoxification method to clear out toxins and give your digestive organs a break. I’m not talking about one of these crazy things where you drink nothing grapefruit juices for 21 days. NO I’m talking about a healthy one. There are several out there and I bet your chiropractic office can suggest a few to you.

 7. Take a break from alcohol, processed food, and sugar this is probably the most important- you have no idea the hidden sugars in most of the processed foods you eat, look at your Ketchup bottle I’ll be surprised if sugar isn’t the 3rd or 4th ingredient listed.  Sugar stresses your body.  Give it a break.

 8. Get a Chiropractic Adjustment, I’m not talking about trading a back rub with someone you love.  I’m talking about seeing a local Chiropractor, getting a quality chiropractic adjustment which will take the stress and interference from your central nervous system and allow your brain and body’s organs to communicate effectively. Adjustments are not only relaxing; they’ve also been proven to minimize anxiety, boost the immune system, and reduce depression and anxiety.

 9. Take a long, hot bath to take weight off your weary muscles and joints. I have a friend that takes a hot bath every day. Seriously what a great way to start or end your day, even if it’s for 15 minutes.

 10. Be mindful of your posture at your desk at work and take breaks to walk around and stretch. This one is smart on any day—hunching over our computers can cause major back and neck pain, this position also allows your vertebra to cause interference on your central nervous system.  I make a point of getting up and walking around my office at least once every hour.

 You certainly do not have to do all 10 all the time, but give 1 or 2 a try now and then. See how you feel. I’m betting anyone of these in any combination will help you feel less stressed, less anxious and more like your old self.

 As always Coach T is available to assist you- If you are interested in improving your life and or lifestyle please get in touch with me- Here are some ways you can contact me- coachtlc@ymail.com, https://www.facebook.com/terry.chaney, or www.facebook.com/CoachTerry, or join my on line support group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Coachtslifestylessupport.

 Love and Laughter

 Hoorah

 Coach T