Bonnie

Moving

2006-09-22T15:06:00Z

In a few months I'd like to move from Connecticut to Maine with my hubby. Things are just too expensive here, and that itself can create stress. I'd like a more relaxed atmosphere. Of course, if you are more the city type, Maine may not be for you, unless you decide to live in Portland or Bangor. But even Augusta, the capital of Maine, is more rural than most "cities" in New England. Maine is great for vacations, too! http://www.visitmaine.com

Back From Vacation

2006-09-18T18:59:00Z

I'm back from vacation from Maine. The water was a little cold, but because I love to swim, I just had to get in. Well, I got in just fine but didn't get very far. The water was so cold I had to turn around. But I must say, it was invigorating! You know those people who wait until winter and then jump in some freezing water? They have guts! (And hopefully warm blood to heat up their frozen bodies once they jump out of the water!) Check out these people: http://www.polarbearclub.org/

Vacation Time

2006-09-08T18:57:00Z

This Sunday I will be leaving for a week of vacation up in Maine! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine Every year I have gone to Maine as a kid. What will I do up there? Probably what I always do: relax, read, play cards, go out to eat, look at shops, go hiking, go for walks, etc.

Also, I have this yearly tradition of eatting a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream! My fave flavors are chocolate chip cookie dough and chunky monkey. What are yours? http://www.benjerry.com

Also, the house we're renting is on a lake, so we'll go swimming if it isn't too cold. And if not swimming, then we'll take out the paddle boat and row boat. I find swimming very relaxing. It's great to concentrate on the water and let your negative thoughts float away...

I'll post another blog entry when I return!

My Massage

2006-09-07T01:15:00Z

Yesterday, I finally got that long-awaited massage I have been craving. I received a combination neuromuscular and deep tissue massage. If you opt for this type of massage, it can be painful at times. However, it is necessary to work at knots and trigger points. This type of massage is best for those with chronic muscle tightness. It can also help with tingling in the extremities (arms and legs). If you need a more relaxing massage, try a basic Swedish massage, which is offered at most spas.

Deep Breathing...Ahhh

2006-09-02T22:14:00Z

I'm been starting to do a lot of deep breathing lately. If you feel stressed out, do you know that you can reduce the stress of your body instantly just by deep breathing? http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/stress/breath.html

By breathing slowly, you are telling your body to slow down. If you feel anxious and/or your heart is racing, try deep breathing. But are you breathing the right way? The wrong way is just using your lungs; yes, you read that right. That's shallow breathing. To breathe deep, use your lungs but expand your belly. And don't worry about sticking your tummy out, even if you're self-conscious about ab flab; but this is the best way to breathe. Need more help? http://www.deepsloweasy.com/html/intro.htm

Now breath with me. Inhale..........exhale. Repeat. Now, don't you feel better?

Massage Me, Please!

2006-08-28T15:55:00Z

Since I can't massage myself, I'm still looking for a great massage therapist. I sent a few emails asking questions, so hopefully I'll get some responses soon. If you decide to get a massage (whether you've gone before or not), make sure you know what modalities (massage techniques) they will offer you. If you're just looking for a relaxing massage, Swedish or Therapeutic is the way to go. For pain management, try Neuromuscular Therapy. If you have knots you need worked on, opt for Deep Tissue Massage.

Should You Use Heat or Ice?

2006-08-25T18:32:00Z

Something hurts. You feel sore. Ouch! What do you use, ice or heat? That question is pretty simple to answer. Personally, I prefer heat since it feels much nicer than cold, don't you think? However, there are certain basic guidelines to follow about when use which temperature. For instance, cold is best for a fresh injury and/or inflammation. Cold helps restrict the blood vessels and brings the swelling of the tissue down. Heat is best for muscle soreness or an ongoing, chronic condition. With general pain, cold can help numb it, but heat soothes it. So, what happens if you you use both hot and cold? As I said, with a new injury (such as a twisted ankle or bumbing into something), you will want to use ice. However, after the swelling goes down, as well as with any chronic conditions, alternating hot and cold can help to speed healing! Alternate with heat and ice for 5 minutes each. Also, go with how you feel. If cold feels better, use that; if heat helps you feel better, use that! If you decide to go with one or another, use the heat or ice for 15 minutes or as long as you can tolerate it, but not more than 15 minutes at a time and not more than once an hour. Remember, check your skin so you don't burn or freeze yourself!

Knots in Shoulders

2006-08-24T14:12:00Z

I'm sure we all know what it's like to have tightness in the upper back, neck and shoulder area. I have these knots in my shoulder that I'm having trouble getting rid of. I know how to massage, obviously, but it's a little tough massaging my own back...lol. I need my "Go-go-gadget" arms! http://www.tv.com/inspector-gadget/show/2412/summary.html

Sometimes I wish I could clone myself to give myself a massage. Wouldn't that be nice? I have received massage from other massage therapists in the past, and I have to admit at times it can be difficult to find a good massage therapist. But, I'm going to find one so I can get these knots taken care of.

Writing that Massage Book...

2006-08-16T20:51:00Z

I really need to finish that book I've been writing about massage. I keep writing and writing and yet I'm still not done. Geez, it feels like I'm writing a book. Wait...I am! I guess I tend to be a procrastinator, and then of course procrastinating causes people stress. Here is some Wikipedia information on procrastination http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procrastination. I might read it later...or maybe tomorrow...

Sunshine?

2006-08-11T22:13:00Z

For anyone who lives in New England, you know what it feels like to have the sun hide on you. I worked all day thinking I could go outside and enjoy some sunshine, but alas, that is not to be. Why? Because as soon as finished my work and was ready to go, the sun decided to hide behind some huge clouds. One can only hope the clouds pass over before darkness falls. Sunshine warms the soul.

Yikes! Snakes!

2006-08-09T15:59:00Z

Ever had a dream that you wish would just go away? I keep having these recurring dreams where there's snakes "chasing" after me. I think it must have something to do with anxiety or something I'm not facing in my waking life. Also, I do fear snakes, so that's probably why the fear is being displayed in my dreams in that way.

Nevertheless, it still sucks. If you're also afraid of snakes like me, you can understand why this dream would be no fun, especially since it keeps coming back! Once I think those pesky snakes dreams are gone for good, guess what? Yep, they come back! Maybe I need a good massage to get rid of that anxiety.

If you're brave enough, check out some snake pictures online:

http://images.google.com/images?q=snakes&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images

Stress where?

2006-07-29T16:55:00Z

Lately I have been swamped with work and have been very stressed out. Do you know where I carry my stress? It's actually where most people carry it. If you guessed the shoulders and upper back, you're right!

A tip on how to help with that stress. Use a heat wrap and sit back and relax! Heat increases circulation to the muslces, helping them to relax and heal.

At a spa I've worked at, they always greeted the customers with a heated wrap for their shoulders. During my "off" time, I found myself heating one up for myself! It was heaven. You can purchase such a heat wrap here: http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=557&idaffiliate=32

All that's missing is a book and a cup of tea, and you're off to your own special world of relaxation! Relax and refresh!

What is Massage?

2006-07-25T02:25:00Z

Massage is the practice of applying structured pressure, tension, motion or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids — to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels, to achieve a beneficial response. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.

Massage can also be a part of lovemaking for many couples (see erotic massage, tantramassage), and often takes place in the context of sex work. As massage is a lightly regulated industry, clients are advised to get references, ask questions and judge for themselves.

Excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage

Ahh...Relax...

2006-06-19T17:07:00Z