I’m used to being on-the-go, doing things pretty fast, having a packed schedule and being high-energy. While I credit keeping active for not only keeping me fit, but providing me with super-mom energy, it also has its downfalls.

My muscles are used to contraction. They are used to feeling sore and tight and they are used to being used. The problem with me is that when stressful situations occur, my automatic response is to tense my muscles, especially in my upper-body. Muscle tension is not fun in any area of the body. In fact, it’s taxing and it’s exhausting. Having suffered from tension migraines for as long as I can remember, they can without a doubt, alter your mood, affect your day-to-day energy and your sleep patterns too.  I’m always looking for ways to calm down and relax my body and do the opposite of what I’m accustomed to. I’m especially trying to be conscious of using relaxation methods during stressful times.

I’ve been disciplined to exercise and give my energy to everyone, but I’ve struggled so much with setting time aside for myself. Learning to relax is really very challenging for me. I’m still in a process of learning and since I prefer to use a holistic approach, I’m stubborn to turn to over-the-counter anti-infammatory pills and instead,  stick to more natural ways.

I wanted to share a few things I’ve been doing that are helping me. I don’t get to do them as often as I would like and probably should, however, I am trying. Maybe some will work for you and some won’t, but trust me,  they are certainly worth a try.

• Take a bath. I know there’s NO TIME, but find at least one night in your week that you can do this. Adding Epsom salt (which contains high levels of the relaxing mineral magnesium) OR Himalyan sea salts that contains less magnesium, but  help to detoxify the body due to the many other minerals it contains, can really relax your muscles. Lavender oil promotes relaxation in the body and adding a few drops of pure Lavender essential oil to your bath adds a beautiful aroma too.
• Light a candle. Candles set ambiance and create a calm + cozy atmosphere. If you’re not into candles, Diffusers help to purify the air and also create a relaxing environment. Try an ultrasonic diffuser for aromatherapy.
• Listen to a meditation. I’m not a yogi and this one is extremely hard for me I will admit, but listening to something while in a bath forces you to do it. You can You-Tube tons of meditations, or better yet, download an App, but just find the one the resonates with whatever you’re going through at the time.
• Drink camomile tea. Camomile flowers provide anti-infammatory benefits as well as help to fight insomnia. In times of high stress or anxiety I add magnesium powder to my tea. You can find a brand called Calm at most Health Food stores. Magnesium is a macro-mineral that regulates muscle and nerve function and so it’s an extremely important mineral for our bodies. If you suffer from palpitations due to anxiety, (and you are not on medication) this is beneficial in helping you to relax the heart muscle especially.
• Use Peppermint oil for migraines. Rub peppermint oil on your temples, forehead near your scalp line and wrists to help release tension or pressure in the muscles that cover your head (yes, you have muscles there too). This essential oil has a potent smell and numbing effect and it’s a great alternative to popping a pill.
• Stretch. Whether on the roller or on your own, stretching brings muscles back to their natural state. We all don’t spend enough time stretching post workout,  and it is abolutely necessary for our muscles. Any stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds to be considered a real stretch. I use a spiked foam roller to massage out any kinks, but a regular foam roller is softer and does the trick for many. Foam rolling releases tension in fascia (the connective tissue right under your skin) that wraps around your entire body. In some people, like myself, it can become extremely tight and it can actually pull on muscles and joints and affect mobility. If you find rolling on a foam roller awkward, start slowly by just lying on it vertically.  Keep your entire spine on the roller with your knees bent and arms open (palms facing the ceiling). Deep inhales and exhales while lying on the roller really help to release tension by opening the muscles in the chest and neck. This is amazing for anyone who works on their computer all day or for those who often hunch over.

You may not be able to do all the above in one evening, but you can definitely pick one that fits with your schedule and lifestyle and include it in your week. It has taken me a LOOOONNNG time to understand that the only person that can take care of myself is MYSELF. If you aren’t feeling good than nothing in your life will feel good and it really has a domino effect. As the saying goes, Keep Calm and Carry On;)