More Helpful Tools
Here are MORE helpful tools that you can use.
PLEASE try these, as some of these just may be the "icing on the cake" to finding what works for you.
PLEASE try these, as some of these just may be the "icing on the cake" to finding what works for you.
Pressure Points:
1. Hands:
There are many different pressure point located throughout the body. One of the best places to apply pressure to help relax the body is on the wrists. This is same location that one would apply pressure to relieve nausea, it does both!
1. Hands:
There are many different pressure point located throughout the body. One of the best places to apply pressure to help relax the body is on the wrists. This is same location that one would apply pressure to relieve nausea, it does both!
a. Wrist Pressure
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Place the first three fingers onto the wrist area, from the wrist. Your first finger will be in the correct location to apply pressure with your thumb. |
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You will want to apply enough pressure to feel it, but not too much to feel pain. While applying the pressure, you can circle the thumb around as well, for a bit more relaxing affect. Do this for about 2 minutes, and notice any affect. |
b. Wrist Crease Pressure
Another place on the hand, is to apply thumb pressure at the wrist crease. Again, apply enough pressure to feel it, but not enough to feel pain.
Feet:
1. Toe Pressure
The feet are also a great place to find that additional relaxation.
A great location to apply pressure is on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Apply pressure using the thumb, in a circular motion for about 2 minutes. Do both feet and notice how this particular pressure point works for you.
A great location to apply pressure is on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Apply pressure using the thumb, in a circular motion for about 2 minutes. Do both feet and notice how this particular pressure point works for you.
2. Ball Pressure
Sit in a comfortable easy sitting position, and grasp your foot and rest either on your opposite knee, or in front of you. Apply pressure between the 2nd and 3rd toes just beneath the ball of your foot. Apply a good amount of pressure with your thumb as you massage the spot for at least 2 minutes. Switch feet and do the same on the other side. Take a moment to notice how this may help you.
Finger Grasp
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With the palms facing up, grasp onto each of your fingers, and thumb, one at a time, with all four fingers of the opposite hand. Hold each finger while you breathe slow and steady, and even allow for a gentle stretch of the finger. Notice how each finger may differ, and which fingers feel the most soothing to you. |
Massage:
Massage is always a great way to release the tension in the muscles of the body.
Massage is always a great way to release the tension in the muscles of the body.
1. Forehead:
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Place your index and middle fingers directly between your eyebrows, on the point where the nose meets the forehead. Close your eyes and massage this area for about 2 minutes, as you breathe and relax the body. Notice how the body responds to this technique. |
2. Ears:
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Grasp onto the ears and massage and apply pressure to the lobes, the upper ear, and sides. You can pull on the lobes gently, with slow, gentle movement, and notice how applying the pressure can make you feel calmer and more relaxed. |
3. Whole Body:
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You can also consult with a professional massage therapist, or you can buy a massager and try massaging your own body. This particular massage wand grants easy access over the entire body. Don't forget to massage the neck, back, legs, arms and shoulders. Use a firm pressure, where possible, and massage towards the heart. |
Brushing:
1. Scalp:
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The head and skin are filled with sensory nerves and can aide in reducing stress. Brushing your hair not only allows for the escape of precious natural oils from your scalp, but the massaging of the skin can also reduce your stress symptoms. The area behind the head, where the head and neck meet, is a great area where nerves can be stimulated, and can release tension when brushed gently.
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2. Full body:
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You can also brush the entire body with a soft brush. Always brush from the outermost part of the body, inward. So, start at the feet and brush upward towards the heart. Then from the tops of the hands towards the chest. Always brush towards the heart, as brushing away from the heart may cause varicose veins. |
Clavicle Release
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By just placing your hand over your clavicle, just under your neck, you can feel the soothing affects and comforting feeling. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, close your eyes and tap in to feel the full affects. Applying pressure to this area has been known to sooth anxiety and stress. |
Tapping
This is a great tool to help people fall back asleep at night, (see: Sleep Difficulties), but it is also a great focus technique to help calm and relax the body and mind.
Just start tapping a finger wherever you are, and focus on the movement of the finger. This keeps additional thoughts away from the present moment, and keeps you focused in on only the movement of your finger. Tap to a relaxing beat, and soon enough, you may find yourself a bit more relaxed. But try the other techniques as well, as another may suit you better. Remember that we are all different!
This is a great tool to help people fall back asleep at night, (see: Sleep Difficulties), but it is also a great focus technique to help calm and relax the body and mind.
Just start tapping a finger wherever you are, and focus on the movement of the finger. This keeps additional thoughts away from the present moment, and keeps you focused in on only the movement of your finger. Tap to a relaxing beat, and soon enough, you may find yourself a bit more relaxed. But try the other techniques as well, as another may suit you better. Remember that we are all different!