We all know we should, but most of us don’t make enough time to relax on a regular basis.  Thank goodness it’s National Relaxation Day! You have the day off, right? Hmmm…we don’t either. But Moxie Girl has compiled a selection of inexpensive to FREE ways to help you add a little relaxation into EVERY day! Many of our suggestions also go well together, so why not try a “pairing”?

Start With a Relaxing Cup of Green Tea

Green tea has long been known for its antioxidant qualities and other health benefits, but did you know it can actually help you relax? Green tea leaves contain an amino acid called L-theanine, which increases dopamine levels in your brain, promoting a state of calm awareness. If you’re serious about reaping all the health benefits green tea is said to provide experts recommend drinking it hot, but Moxie Girl knows iced green tea is more refreshing – and just as relaxing –  on a warm summer day!

Well, Aren’t You Sweet?

Honey…The only food made by insects and consumed by humans (unless you can think of another!) We already knew honey to be a tasty natural sweetener, but honey can also help with relaxation.  As it turns out, honey contains the amino acid tryptophan – that same thing in turkey that causes a lot of napping after Thanksgiving dinner!

Go Brush Your Hair

Hair-brushing is a long-standing pre-bedtime ritual for many people. Brushing your hair for 10 minutes relaxes the mind while promoting a healthy scalp and shiny hair (and, dang, it feels GREAT!) Simple wire scalp massagers can be purchased at your favorite beauty supply store – and sometimes even the dollar store.

Mmmm…That Smells Relaxing!

It’s a fact: aromas can instantaneously change your mood. So why not change yours for the better by using aromatherapy? Burning a scented candle for 30 minutes just might turn your day from stressful to blissful. Seek out beeswax or soy/vegetable based wax candles containing pure, natural fragrances. For relaxation purposes, Moxie Girl recommends jasmine, rose, valerian, bergamot and lavender scents. (Never leave candles burning unattended – accidental fires are never relaxing!)

Essential oils are a great investment if you plan to add aromatherapy to your daily routine. They may be used in a number of ways.  After selecting your favorite essential oil (or combination of oils) it’s easy to make your own massage oil – just add 7 to 10 drops of oil to an ounce of “carrier” oil. A carrier oil will temper the essentials, making it safe to apply directly to your skin.  Coconut, avocado and olive oils all make great carriers – choose your favorite. Lightly massage a drop to your temples and wrists and let the relaxing begin! This massage oil may also be added to a nice, warm bath – 98-102 degrees, for 20 minutes is recommended for maximum benefit. No time for a bath? No problem – you can diffuse your mix using a humidifier or cold-air vaporizer. Diffusing for 15 minutes each hour will keep you calm and uplifted throughout the day!

Make your own aromatherapy linen spray by adding 30 – 40 drops of your favorite essential oils to an ounce and half of distilled water in a small spray bottle and shake well. Lightly mist your bath towels and bed linens and enjoy the benefits after your shower and all night long!

 

The “Most Relaxing Song Ever”

Another mood-altering factor in life is sound.  If the ambient sounds of your day have thus far had all the appeal of fingernails on a chalkboard, it’s time to change your tune!  With the goal of lowering the listener’s blood pressure, stress levels and heart rate, UK group Marconi Union, worked with sound therapists to utilize a peaceful production landscape filled with dreamy rhythms, melodies and complementary instruments (featuring piano, guitar and electronic samples of natural soundscapes) to create what some have deemed “the most relaxing song ever.”

Chocolate – The Darker the Better

The raw, unprocessed cocoa bean is considered a “super food” by many due to its high concentration of antioxidants – 40 times the antioxidants found in another super food, blueberries. While processing can destroy a large percentage of these antioxidants, a quality dark chocolate still contains enough natural “bliss” agents such as tryptophan and serotonin to bring feelings of happiness and well-being to the forefront of your mood! The higher the cocoa content the less sweet and more beneficial the chocolate, so seek out a dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% more.

A Nice Glass of Wine

There are literally thousands of options when it comes to wine, but which one is best for relaxing?  Your favorite, of course! That’s right – while alcohol content and flavor may vary, most wines have the same cozy effect on your brain, so just choose your favorite or maybe try something new.  Always stay well-hydrated and drink responsibly!

Color Yourself Relaxed!

It’s taken a few years, but coloring has become a favorite way to relax for many adults.  There are a plethora of coloring books to choose from – from meditative mandalas to (very) adult themes. So, find one that appeals to your sensibilities, grab a pack of crayons or colored pencils and get busy.  If you’ve never tried coloring as an adult, Moxie Girl bets you’ll be amazed how easily you can forget your stresses and get lost in this activity!

Winning Combinations

Just about any of the items on this list can be used simultaneously to enhance relaxation. Try enjoying your wine and dark chocolate together! Syrah, ports, and sherries are a few of the most delicious-with-chocolate wines – all in moderation, of course.

Green tea and honey together create a fabulously relaxing beverage, but did you know they are also great for your skin? Try whipping up this super simple and all natural green tea and honey facial mask.  Just moisten some green tea leaves (cutting open a tea bag will give you just about the right amount for a treatment) and blend with a little honey until you’ve formed a paste. Spread evenly on your face, avoiding eye areas, and sit back and relax for 15 minutes while the aroma relaxes your mind and the mask moisturizes and clears any redness! Gently wash off with warm water and enjoy the glow.  Seal it up, and any unused paste can be saved for spot treatments of problem areas for up to a week.

Need More Time to Relax?

Who DOESN’T? So, why not let Moxie Girl take over some of your less favorite chores?  We specialize in vacation rental homes, but we are also experts in residential cleaning and home organization.  What can Moxie Girl do for YOU? Call Today for a FREE consultation!