I am an endorphin junkie, which is why running is my passion. When I am injured or tapering for a race, I have to rely on activities OTHER than a relaxing run to de-stress after work.
Here is a list of things I like to do. Please add your favorite FREE relaxation techniques in the comments section!
Walk in the flower garden at Washington Park, look at brightly colored flowers
Practice my Chi Gong workout DVD -- practicing Chi Gong the night before my half marathon let me relax enough to get a good night's sleep.
Practice some Acupressure with my Acupressure DVD
Get up early and practice Yoga with Steve Ross on Oxygen, or do a few poses from a Yoga DVD
Pet my cat and kiss my dog
Place a heating pad on lower back or neck
Read a book quietly
Take a bubble bath
Pick a new Jazz CD from library and listen while I am cooking dinner
Gather the old bread in my fridge and feed the birds or ducks
Walk in the park with a tree book to identify trees
Hug a tree and think about how old it is
Volunteer to play with kittens at shelter
Take a power nap
Rub lotion on my feet
Read jokes that make me laugh out loud
Share a funny story with a good friend
Listen to relaxing music
Go for a drive down country roads
Bring my focus to my breathing and imagine I am breathing out stress and breathing in relaxation
Including activities that help to relax me and make me feel happy puts me in a good mood.
A few activities that do cost money include a massage at the massage school, buying a new scented hand wash and taking a class to develop a new skill, like jewelry making or flying a plane.
Are you training to run a half marathon? Click here to get free nutrition and training tips by email.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment