5 Instant Stress Relievers

Photo from bluntmoms.com

Sure, getting a pedicure, and indulging in a full-body massage can do wonders for stressed-out moms. But it’s not like we can always do it whenever we need to. Instead, arm yourself with the following that we promise will offer relief and help lower your stress levels.

1 Epsom Salt
Got aching feet after a long day of walking? Soak them in a pan of warm water with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). This eases muscle pain, neutralizes odors, and softens feet. 
We recommend: Zenutrients (Landmark and SM Megmall) that even has coffee, vanilla or green tea properties. 


2 Acupressure
Acupressure uses massage to target key points on your skin’s surface to help relieve stress and tension. Stay-at-home mom Dory Lee says, “When I have a headache, I massage the spot where my head hurts, or I ask my sister to do it for me. I also find that when I massage my palm and inner arm, I feel calmer.” 
We recommend: For headaches, press on the temples (the slight depression on the sides of your face between your hairline and eyebrows) with your middle fingers to help relieve headaches and promote relaxation.


3 Ginger or peppermint 
This two comes in handy when you’re travelling. Ginger helps in motion sickness, while peppermint helps in the common cold, sinusitis, and nausea. 
We recommend: Giga’s Ginger-Peppermint Massage Oil (Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Place Manila) because the scent alone can bring instant relief to nausea and headaches. Apply it to the chest if you have a bad nasal congestion.  


4 Gum
Chewing gum increases alertness, quells anxiety, and lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, say Australian researchers. Opt for sugar-free versions.
We recommend: Lotte Xylitol Sugar-Free that also fights cavities.  


5 Breathe 
Take time to pause with a breathing exercise. It requires no equipment, and can be done anywhere. In fact, you can do it on your desk or in the privacy of a stall at the common rest room at work. 
We recommend: The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) exercise by Dr. Andrew Weil. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
• Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count offour.
• Hold your breath for a count of seven.
• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.This is one breath. 
• Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

This story originally appeared on Femalenetwork.com.

* Minor edits have been made by the Smartparenting.com.ph editors.

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