It’s summertime and for most of us
that means slowing down and relaxing a
little. Sounds like a good idea, but for
many this is problematic. Between the
job (if you still have one), the struggling
economy, rising gas prices and other nagging
worries, there seems to be little time
or opportunity to take a break and chill
out.
Yet, if you want to remain productive
at work and in the gym, you’ve got no
other choice. You’ve simply got to make
time to relax and unwind. I know, there is
so much to do and if you’re not doing it,
you’re thinking about doing it. In order
to relax, you’ve got to give yourself permission,
so cut yourself a little slack. It
sure beats having a heart attack or
stroke.
Here are a few tips to follow that will
help you to take a break from the rat race
and teach you how to chill out, live longer
and enjoy yourself.
Learn to carry a small notebook with
you everywhere – to work, to the gym,
etc. Jot down anything that occurs to you
that needs to be done. Go through the list
now and then. Cross off what you really
don’t need to do, and you’ll feel lighter.
Then, as you work your way through the
list, check off what you’ve accomplished
and you’ll feel more in control of your
life.
You’ve got to learn the value of sleep.
Whether you are a bodybuilder, business
executive, or just a regular person, sleep
and rest are essential to a tired body and
an exhausted brain. Experts tell us that 8-
10 or even 12 hours of sound shut-eye are
essential to good physical and mental
health.
If you have trouble sleeping, here are
some techniques. First, try not to work
out before going to bed because the
changes in metabolism can keep you
revved up and wide-eyed. Secondly, keep
your work area separate from your sleeping
quarters. Keep your bed and nightstand
clear of papers and clutter that will
remind you of work and deadlines.
Third, keep the temperature cool and
shut out all needless light. Use a soft
mask or eye pillow over your eyes to
block out light and all visual distractions.
When you get home from work, try a
little stretching. Chances are you have
been sitting most of the day and your
lower back is killing you. Take a few minutes
and lie flat on your back on the floor,
in a yoga position called shavarsana.
First, bring you knees up so that your
lower back
touches the
floor. Lower
your legs
straight out
and your back
will be in a
good position
for relaxing.
Let your feet
flop outwards,
have your
arms a little
out from your
sides with palms facing upward. Tilt
your head forward a little so that your
neck is in a relaxed position. Now, go
through your whole body mentally focusing
your attention on one area at a time.
Start with the soles of your feet and work
your way up to your temples and forehead.
Think “relax” as you breathe in
and out deeply and slowly at each area.
Visit a Spa. I know such indulgences
can be expensive, but not as costly as you
may think. There are at least a half-dozen
spas listed in this publication with professional
services geared toward men.
Why not pamper yourself with a peppermint
body scrub or a papaya facial? If
you can’t get away to a day spa, treat
yourself to a full body massage at home.
Just call your massage therapist and
schedule!
And finally, make time for your friends
this summer. Don’t let work and worry
rob you of one of life’s greatest gifts,
friends. Consider the bigger picture to
see where your deepest satisfaction lies
and then try to live life to the fullest! For
more ideas on summertime workouts
contact TrainerTomB@aol.com.It’s summertime and for most of us that means slowing down and relaxing a little. Sounds like a good idea, but for many this is problematic. Between the job (if you still have one), the struggling economy, rising gas prices and other nagging worries, there seems to be little time or opportunity to take a break and chill out. Yet, if you want to remain productive at work and in the gym, you’ve got no other choice. You’ve simply got to make time to relax and unwind. I know, there is so much to do and if you’re not doing it, you’re thinking about doing it. In order to relax, you’ve got to give yourself permission, so cut yourself a little slack. It sure beats having a heart attack or stroke. Here are a few tips to follow that will help you to take a break from the rat race and teach you how to chill out, live longer and enjoy yourself. Learn to carry a small notebook with you everywhere – to work, to the gym, etc. Jot down anything that occurs to you that needs to be done. Go through the list now and then. Cross off what you really don’t need to do, and you’ll feel lighter. Then, as you work your way through the list, check off what you’ve accomplished and you’ll feel more in control of your life. You’ve got to learn the value of sleep. Whether you are a bodybuilder, business executive, or just a regular person, sleep and rest are essential to a tired body and an exhausted brain. Experts tell us that 8- 10 or even 12 hours of sound shut-eye are essential to good physical and mental health. If you have trouble sleeping, here are some techniques. First, try not to work out before going to bed because the changes in metabolism can keep you revved up and wide-eyed. Secondly, keep your work area separate from your sleeping quarters. Keep your bed and nightstand clear of papers and clutter that will remind you of work and deadlines. Third, keep the temperature cool and shut out all needless light. Use a soft mask or eye pillow over your eyes to block out light and all visual distractions. When you get home from work, try a little stretching. Chances are you have been sitting most of the day and your lower back is killing you. Take a few minutes and lie flat on your back on the floor, in a yoga position called shavarsana. First, bring you knees up so that your lower back touches the floor. Lower your legs straight out and your back will be in a good position for relaxing. Let your feet flop outwards, have your arms a little out from your sides with palms facing upward. Tilt your head forward a little so that your neck is in a relaxed position. Now, go through your whole body mentally focusing your attention on one area at a time. Start with the soles of your feet and work your way up to your temples and forehead. Think “relax” as you breathe in and out deeply and slowly at each area. Visit a Spa. I know such indulgences can be expensive, but not as costly as you may think. There are at least a half-dozen spas listed in this publication with professional services geared toward men. Why not pamper yourself with a peppermint body scrub or a papaya facial? If you can’t get away to a day spa, treat yourself to a full body massage at home. Just call your massage therapist and schedule! And finally, make time for your friends this summer. Don’t let work and worry rob you of one of life’s greatest gifts, friends. Consider the bigger picture to see where your deepest satisfaction lies and then try to live life to the fullest! For more ideas on summertime workouts contact TrainerTomB@aol.com.