As Printed in the Quarter 1, 2005 Issue of
The Belly Dancer Magazine
STRESS RELIEF
By Halima
Stress is something we live with everyday and I doubt that we will ever be able to get rid of it entirely. When it becomes too much, it's time to take a vacation. However, with the way our economy has been going and the outrageous gas prices, most of us can't afford to take vacations. Still we need to find a way to deal with this everyday stress so that we can stay strong mentally and physically.
There are many ways that we can take mini-vacations from stress that doesn't eat a big hole in our wallets. Dance classes are a great help. They don't cost an arm and a leg and we can leave the world behind and just enjoy the physical and mental benefits of dancing. We get a good physical and mental workout and express our creativity at the same time.
Take the time when you get home from one of these workouts or anytime that you feel you need it and draw yourself a nice fragrant bath. Light some candles for mood, pour in your favorite oil and ease yourself on in and just enjoy. Not only will it soothe your aching body but it will help you finish letting go of the stress of the day.
Put on some soft music and turn out the lights and just lie back and enjoy the quiet of the moment. Give yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes. Take some deep breaths and think of all the tension leaving your body as you exhale out.
Massage is another great mini-vacation. I do love massages and they are so relaxing. I feel so renewed after a good massage. Also remember this, you are paying for the services of a professional but you are the boss. If you have any concerns or physical ailments, be sure and discuss them with the therapist. Also let the therapist know if the pressure is too much or too little. Then just lay there and let your thoughts drift wherever they will and relax and enjoy. After your massage is complete, take a few minutes longer and enjoy the relaxation. I have fibromyalgia and massage is one of the few things that actually helps give some relief from the pain. My friend Naseera travels with me a lot and she is a massage therapist and absolutely keeps me on my feet and going at some of these vending events. I keep trying to convince her she should find work closer to where I live (big smile).
I've only touched on a few things here that you can do to get some stress relief. I know that you probably can think of many more. The key to all of this IS TO DO IT. We all know how to do most of this but we just don't take the time TO DO IT. It is so important that we make time for ourselves. I'm as guilty as the next person, but I am working on changing all that. I can sit and think about how good my body felt when I would put on my favorite belly dance music and do just ten minutes of stretching each day. Not only did it keep me flexible but it was so relaxing as well. Unfortunately I have thought a lot about it for a long time, but haven't gotten my butt off the couch TO DO IT. So I am making a goal for myself to do a light workout three days a week. Just remember, you are important so take the time out to take care of you!
