Stress Less with Le Petit Spa, Vancouver's Number One Day Spa

In the middle of the hectic holidays take the time to destress. Making time to relax and letting your stress go is especially important during the craziness, but also needs to become part of your regular ritual. Possible long-term effects of a stressful lifestyle include hypertension, hair loss, and digestive disorders. Thinking about that is stressful! But the good news is there are simple ways to let your tension go and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

TAKE TIME OUT Create a quiet time for yourself. The stillness allows your body and mind to catch up with each other and get in sync. Your quiet could be meditation, reading a few pages of a book, soaking in a bath by candlelight, or sipping your favourite herbal tea while watching the world go by.

CREATE CALM SURROUNDINGS Create a tranquil space with peaceful music - avoid heavy beats and lyrics. Mellow vibrations help your heart rate and blood pressure physically drop to a slower pace.

BREATHE FULLY Your breathing will be your tell tale if you're in stress mode or not. 8 to 10 breaths per minute indicates normal, healthy breathing. 15 or more signifies you're in stress mode. To unwind find your breath and continue to breathe as you were. Through your nose inhale and exhale long, complete breaths for 10 to 30 breaths. You'll see the effects as your body relaxes and looses tension.

More destressing tips in tomorrow's posting.