No plan for healthy, balanced living would be complete if it did not incorporate time for relaxation. You no doubt have your own ways of seeking relaxation and pleasure; here are some useful relaxation techniques for your stress management purpose, to add to your list. These are intended to help energize and nourish you, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

Look for interesting hiking trails. Take a long hike among the trees. Do not focus on completing the walk; rather, enjoy the journey, appreciating the lovely surroundings. Feel grateful to be alive and able to enjoy this experience.

Get an Ayurvedic massage. Find a local spa, and make an appointment. Ayurvedic massage is designed to promote balance and general wellbeing. It includes tapping, kneading and squeezing, as well as more traditional massage strokes with which you may be familiar.

Take an aromatic bath. Light few candles in the bathroom, turn off the lights, put on your favorite soothing music, and take a hot aromatic bath using either green tea- or eucalyptus-scented bath oil.

Meditate. Take some time out of your busy schedule to meditate. Start by finding a calm spot in your home, then light a scented candle or incense, and put on some soft, soothing background music. Close your eyes and enjoy the solitude.

Spend a cultural evening with friends. Read about the history of spices, how they are grown, the countries that use them abundantly in their foods, perhaps a specific country like India that uses a lot of spices and herbs in their cuisine, and invite your friends over for conversation and a curry dinner made with recipes from this book.

Do something nice for someone. Clean out your closet or collect used children’s clothing that is in good condition – perhaps your own children’s or friends’ – to give to a local shelter.

Sing in the shower. This may sound silly, but it’s invigorating and makes you feel good. The acoustics in the bathroom, because of the tiling and porcelain, are almost as good as a recording studio, so your voice sounds great – which will make you feel great. Go ahead, belt it out!

Join a yoga class. Some studios teach yoga specifically for busy people. If you cannot enroll on a long term basis, take a short course on basic positions as well as relaxation and meditation techniques you can do on your own at home.

Pamper yourself with Chai Tea. Make some chai tea and enjoy it with your favorite cookies. This is a delicious reward to give yourself when you’ve finished your meditation session.

Start a Happiness Journal. Buy a blank journal and start by documenting at least five things that have contributed to your happiness, for which you are grateful. Do this daily, adding at least two things that made you happy that day. This five-minute exercise has the power to change your attitude about life in an amazingly positive direction.

About the Author: Connie Umbenhower is a published author of the cookbook DEITY DIET. For more information or to buy her book, pls visit www.thedeitydiet.com, www.himalayanbootcamp.com

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