Water Cooler

(CBS 11 / TXA 21) 1. A tennis ball
Use it to massage pressure points in the middle of your back or base of your neck.  Just lie down on the floor and put it under you. A tennis ball is also a great foot massager while watching TV or reading a book after a long day in those "to die for" heels.

$12 for a pack of six at Academy Sports.
 
2. Get some sunshine.
Just take a seat in the sun for 10 minutes or so.  Studies have shown that the sun has an amazing effect on our moods.  Also, early morning sun is a great source for Vitamin D.

Free
 
3. Aromatherapy.
Try Aveda's Blue Oil. Carry it in your purse, use it when you're driving, waiting in line, sitting at your desk or just trying to get the kids in bed.  Take a drop or two and rub it on your neck or temples.

$12 at any store where Aveda is sold.
 
4. Stretch.
Most of us spend so much time at a computer or on the phone that we really allow our shoulders to roll forward.  Find a corner and place your hands out in a goal post angle and try to touch your nose to the corner.

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5. Raise your computer monitor to eye level.
Buy a computer monitor stand and keep yourself from looking down and creating muscle tension.

$19.99 for the Office Depot® Brand Monitor and Printer Stand

6. Use a monitor clip.
When typing written documents the clip with help bring your work to eye level.

$6.79 at any office supply
 
7. Take a 5-minute break from work.
It may be easy to say and hard to do, but try. Go get that drink of water. Refresh your eyes and mind.  You will be more productive.

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8. Drink a cup of tea.
Herbal teas really provide benefits, from antioxidants to the calming effect of lavender or chamomile.

Twinings has several herbal teas starting at $3.59 for 12 bags. 
Aveda has an organic detoxifying/de-stressing tea for $14 for 12 bags.
 
9. Cool compresses for your eyes.
Take two cotton pads and soak them in ice water and place them on your eyes for 5 to 7 minutes. This reduces puffiness and dark circles.

Get 80 Swisspers cotton eye pads for $2.89.
 
10. Massage your temples.
Close your eyes and find that spot above your ears and behind your eyes and make small circles with your finger tips.

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11. Make your own moist heating pad.
Take any gym sock, fill it with white uncooked rice and tie a knot in the end of the sock. Place the filled sock in the microwave for two minutes and you have your own neck or back heating pad.

Sock $3.50 for a pair, Rice $1.50
 
12. Pressure point stimulus.
Apply pressure between your thumb and 1st finger. Reduce any headaches by pressing this point and holding for 60 seconds.

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13. Sinus Reflexology.
The tips of your fingers and toes are corresponding sinus points. Relieve stress by grasping the top of your toe or finger and massaging with pressure.

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12. Get to your destination early.
Leave your house 10 minutes earlier. Why cause yourself more stress - be on time or early.

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14. Lighten the load.
The weight of your purse/handbag can really fatigue shoulder muscles.  Try weighing your purse and reduce it by one pound to start.

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15. Proper Cell Phone Use.
We have all done it - put a cell phone between our shoulder and ear to free up our hands.  Bad idea. You are creating unnecessary strain on your neck.

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16. Visualization.
In moments of stress close your eyes and envision your perfect relaxation spot. Imagine whatever you want – something like a beach, mountain, or boat and concentrate how you feel when you are there.

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17.  Bubble baths.
Quiet time with soothing, soapy bubbles… what else needs to be said.

About $2.50 per bath.
 
18. Take a walk outside.
Get your blood pumping with a walk outside in the elements. Your heart will appreciate the exercise and your extremities will get more oxygen.

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19. Give yourself a scalp massage.

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20. Be Grateful.
Write a list of all the things and people in your life that you are fortunate to have and you will feel the stress on your mind and body ease.

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21. Diaphragmatic Breathing.
When we are born we do this naturally. As we mature our breathing patterns are disrupted by stress.

Follow these simple steps:
1. Take a deep breath
2. Now lower your shoulders and put your hand on your abdomen and let the air push out. Take a deep breath again filling our abdomen.
3.  Try to do this 10 times a day to start.  Just keep increasing the number until it becomes habitual and you have retrained your breathing pattern.

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