Now that we have brushed, exfoliated, cleansed and massaged to help our body's filtration system eliminate toxins it's time take a look at the chemicals most toxic to our bodies, which are often ones we self produce.
Cortisol and similar hormones are released in response to stress and serve a most important role during stressful times. Unfortunately too much of good thing can become a bad thing. Over production of these hormones in addition to other reactions (tight organs and muscle tissues) that may occur when the body is trying to battle constant stress on the nervous system can cause havoc on our body and mind.
In today's technology driven society the stress of always "being" connected to the outside world is adding social media stress to life's everyday stress triggers of finances, relationships and health etc. Exercise, yoga and meditation personal pleasurable activities are all things that we can do to give our body and mind a little break.
Exercise can act as a reliever since being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and at the same time provide a distraction from life's daily worries.
I know some of you are thinking "my schedule is so busy how can I get exercise in there?" - well any form of exercise can act as a stress reliever. Start with taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking a little further away from the entrance. What is important is to get your body moving.
Yoga postures provide a massaging action moving toxins out of organs in a cleansing or detoxifying manner.
Yoga instructor, John Scott in his book Ashtanga Yoga, The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga, writes that, “The sweat is both cleansing and purifying, initiating the release of toxins retained within the superficial fat layers of the body. As students progress more deeply into the practice, toxins held in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and internal organs are also released, resulting in a healthy, toned, and flexible body.”
Meditation is simple and inexpensive - in that it requires no special equipment and can be practiced wherever you are - out for a walk, on public transit, or in a quiet area in your home.
With meditation you focus your attention - eliminating the stream of jumbled thoughts crowding your mind and causing you stress. You are left with a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your physical and emotional well-being.
We all have something that we can do to help ease our mind and give us a break from all the chaos. For me tea is a miracle worker when I'm feeling stressed, anxious, down or just have so much going on in mind.
I start by boiling the water and allowing the leaves to steep in the teapot. When the tea is to my liking I pour into a teacup and curl up/sit in a comfortable chair. As I focus on my tea my worries seem to disappear. My mind settles, my breathing calms and I enjoy the calmness that comes over my entire body. Even if just for a few minutes ~ it's amazing and my body has some freedom from the worries of the day.
During the previous 4 installments of this series we explored the benefits of: Dry Skin Brushing; Exfoliating the Body ;Deep Cleansing Facials; and Scalp, Hand and Foot massage as part of helping our body's filtration system.
What do you do to give your mind and body relief from everyday stress?
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