Stress was the greatest killer of the twentieth century and will be of this one too unless we learn how to deal with it. Stress shortens our lives, ages us prematurely and lessens our pleasure in everyday activities.
The following simple tips have helped me and many of my clients and I encourage you to try them for yourselves.
The ancient art of acupuncture works for many people and acupressure can give you some of these benefits without the need for needles or an expert practitioner. Here are some suggestions for things you can try in the privacy of your own home. Use your fingertips to press in a counter clockwise direction on these points:
- on your sternum midway between your nipples;
- on your solar plexus (the central area below your breasts and above your stomach) ;
- on the spot halfway between your navel and your solar plexus;
- on your dominant foot two thumbs width above the V formed by your big toe and second toe
If you suffer from stiffness in the neck and shoulders here is a special exercise that can help.
Stand with your feet slightly apart at a comfortable distance.
Interlace your fingers and hold your hands down in front of you at full stretch with the palms facing upwards.
Slowly bring your palms up towards your face and when they reach chest height start gradually turning them so your palms face outwards.
Keep on raising your hands until they are above your head then let go of your fingers and slowly swing your arms out and down in an arc until they are back in front of your hips and you can interlace your fingers again.
Try to raise yourself onto your toes as you lift your arms and then sink back to having your feet flat on the floor as you lower them.
Repeat this eight times. Breathe in as you bring your hands up then breathe out as you lower them.
This is said to be even more effective if while you are doing it you place the tip of your tongue on the centre of the roof of your mouth and press. This helps the flow of "chi" or energy through the body to assist in lessening tension.
Here is another breathing exercise which is very good for encouraging deep breathing. Stand at an open door and take a deep breath. Join your hands together and as you breathe out lean forward and pull your stomach in with your hands. Say “ Hummph” at the same time to help you empty your lungs. Then stand up and breathe normally.
Good luck with finding the technique that works for you.
