Relax your Senses
Getting a massage is not the only way to relax and let go of stress. You can stimulate any combination of the five senses to give yourself multiple cues that it’s time to unwind.
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Sound: listen to relaxing music. Now that the days of falling asleep to great music, only to awake to the loud “Thunk” of the cassette player coming to a stop, are over, CDs and MP3s can put you straight to sleep — if you choose the right ones. My personal favorites are Jim Wilson, David Arkenstone and Enya. |
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Sight: post beautiful posters on your walls. As you are getting ready for bed, gaze at the posters and imagine yourself lying in a beautiful landscape. The vivid imagery will help set the stage for peaceful dreams. Get creative – besides familiar favorites, try a few different scenes to mix up your dreams. |
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Taste: drink milk or eat some turkey. These foods help your body produce seratonin and tryptophan, which will make you both happy and sleepy. Just don’t eat or drink too much, because that could cause heartburn, which can interfere with your hard-earned sleep. |
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Touch: wear something soft or use a comfy massager to ease away stress. Try a luxurious bathrobe, super-soft socks, new sheets with a high thread count, even a new fluffy pillow. |
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Smell: There are many fragrances that can help you relax, and if you use the same one all the time your body will instantly know it is time to relax as soon as you get a whiff of the calming smell. Try a calming body wash like Melt Away Stress, some fragrant lotion or bubble bath from Bath & Body Works, or melt a candle on a candle warmer so you won’t smell any smoke. |
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