The Istorya.Net Spa Thread

[malic_2]

this is a thread for holistic healing in body mind and soul. Post anything from alternative medicines,aroma therapy,yoga and meditation,mantras and inspiring words that you think can be of great help to us in fighting stress and health problems.

To start with I recommend meditation w/ music to help you relax and let go of your stress.

try this music YouTube - Relaxation Music 1 - Chinese Bamboo Flute ft Piano.

how to meditate:

1. find a good place
2. sit in any position you like but i recommend that you sit on a chair and put your hands on your lap with feet slightly apart from each other. if you wish you can also do the yoga squat.
3. sit straight and take a deep breath
4. don't try to relax you'll only find yourself struggling. just do deep breathings,this act will make you feel relax. inhale and exhale naturally don't force it.
5. don't close your eyes yet, continue your deep breathing and feel the rise and fall of your chest.
6. let the music capture your emotions and thoughts, go with it
7. now if you feel like closing your eyes you may do so now
8. do this meditation for 5-10 minutes but if you wish you can do it for 15-30 mins.

that's it.

[malic_2]

Handling Worry

Worry serves a very useful function. It prods us to attend to some unresolved problem. Thus, it prevents us from becoming irresponsible individuals. The problem, however, is that worry is also the major source of human unhappiness. It robs us of sleep and of the capacity to be spontaneously cheerful. It makes life heavy and burdensome.

There are three factors that contribute to worry:

1. Fear – This is the root of worry. It is what makes worry unpleasant. If there is no fear, then it is a concern rather than a worry.

2. Unwholesome philosophy of life – When priorities and values are unclear, then a person will constantly encounter dilemmas in decision making. One becomes unwilling to let go of non-viable alternatives.

3. Ineffective problem-solving methods – There is lack of clarity as to what is the best method in dealing with a problem. The mind tends to be dissatisfied with what is being done about it.

The first factor, fear, has been dealt with earlier. The second – an unwholesome philosophy of life – will be discussed under “Clarification and Internalization of Values.” We shall presently deal with the third factor.

Handling Worry

Hereunder are steps which can eliminate the burden of worrying:

• Clarify the object of worry – When we are unclear as to the specific nature of the problem, we will find that we cannot even solve the problem. There is a difference between anxiety and worry. Anxiety is a vague feeling, while a worry is specific. Therefore, if one feels anxiety, there is a need to pinpoint the cause of anxiety. When it becomes clear, then it is converted to worry, which can then be solved.
• Brainstorm on alternative solutions – Brainstorming is a creative process that allows all ideas to be forwarded. No suggestions are rejected, even the weird or ridiculous ones. Such apparently nonsensical ideas may give cues that lead to unconventional but effective solutions. It is best when brainstorming is done with other people, who will be able to present angles or viewpoints that one may be blind to.
• Identify viable alternatives – After brainstorming, choose the ones that are most viable. It can be one or five possible lines of action.
  
  • Put deadlines on each – Set target dates for the accomplishments of these viable actions.
  • Do your best to accomplish the chosen actions – Your subconscious must be convinced that you are doing your level best. Only then will it cease to worry.
  • After having done your best, accept the consequences, whatever they are. You cannot do any better even if the world will crumble down.
  
  
  Preventing Worry
  As important as handling worry is the ability to prevent worry. Worry is a crisis that often comes from the accumulation of tasks that have not been properly attended to and resolved.
  
  
  • Avoid doing acts that go against your principles or values. Unprincipled acts will claim their consequences later, resulting in worry and unhappiness. Thus, when you lie, you worry about being discovered.
  • Write down your priorities in life. Give adequate time to each of these priorities.
  • Set goals and action programs for long, medium and short terms.
  • Keep a daily Things-To-Do list
  • Go through your list every day and do your best to accomplish them, especially the unpleasant ones. You will find plenty of extra time for the day when you have first diligently attended to your Things-To-Do list.
  • After doing your best, accept mistakes and the consequences of your choice.

-From the Publications of the Theosophical Institute
-by Vicente Hao Chin Jr. President of the Theosophical Society in the Philippines

[malic_2]

it's nice to come by in this part of Istorya.net every now and then, and listen to the relaxing music posted to keep you cool and refresh.

YouTube - zen garden (de-stress yourself) Relaxation Music

[malic_2]

Your brain & body are amazing.

They come with a 24 hour, all natural, highly efficient pharmacy that dispenses the right drugs in the right amounts at the right times.
During stressful times, the brain & body produces bio-chemicals and hormones from this pharmacy that help you stay calm, alert, focused and elevate your mood.

One of these bio-chemicals is serotonin - a natural antidepressant and sleep aid.
We also have a supply of chemicals needed for focus and vitality. These little guys keep us alert, upbeat and give us an overall sense of well-being - they are called catecholamines.

Serotonin, catecholamines and other bio-chemicals are made from the food we eat, specifically, from amino acids which are the building blocks of protein.
Different protein foods have different amino acid profiles. Two aminos in particular - tryptophan and tyrosine - are involved in the production of serotonin and catecholamines.

Our body's natural pharmacy can also become depleted by recreational drugs, stimulants (caffeine), dieting & skipping meals, processed foods that have crappy flours, bad fats, sugars and artificial sweeteners.

Our all-natural pharmacy can either be fully stocked, totally depleted or anywhere in between - depending on our diet & lifestyle.
When we are stressed, we naturally use up these bio-chemicals. So it makes sense then to choose foods that are higher in these aminos to support us in times like these.

Unfortunately, most people tend to do the opposite. Many Americans do things that deplete these bio-chemicals, like reach for coffee, alcohol or junk food. Excuses like 'it takes the edge off' or 'it calms my nerves' or delusional concepts like 'comfort foods' often accompany this approach. Before you know it, your overwhelmed, overweight, exhausted, underslept, underfed, have bags under your eyes, blood pressure is off the charts! Welcome to Burnout.

A much more intelligent, sustainable and profitable approach to reducing stress, improving health and vitality and preventing burnout, would be the exact opposite of what's most popular. Eat specific foods that enhance health, give us energy and keep our body's pharmacy stocked up, simultaneously avoiding the stimulants & habits that deplete them.

These 5 foods are high in tryptophan and tyrosine which support your body's production of serotonin and catecholamines. These foods can alter your mood and offer many other benefits that are essential for reducing stress and improving health & wellness. Best of all, there are no side effects, nervousness and no risk of addiction.

One of the primary reasons for choosing organic and grass fed foods is the fact that pesticides are potent neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. These man made chemicals are poisonous to the brain and alter hormonal levels. Do your best to eat grass fed and organic foods whenever possible.

Eggs - Make sure you get truly free range, pastured chickens that run around outside eating the insects & foods they are supposed to eat which allows them to lay healthy eggs. Eggs are high in tyrosine and tryptophan. They also contain cholesterol and saturated fat which are essential for the production of all your hormones and helps sustain good energy levels throughout the day.
You can eat them raw, fried, hard boiled or baked. Keep the yolk intact when eating eggs. You can eat eggs often, but only have scrambled eggs and omelets occasionally.

Pumpkin, Sesame, Sunflower & Chia Seeds - Mineral dense and packed with energy and essential fatty acids which support brain health. These seeds are also highest in tryptophan. You can easily make your own trail mix by adding some figs (and other fruits) which is another good mood food.

Coconut oil - this is my favorite oil to cook eggs with. Although it doesn't have any amino acids, it is required for overall brain health and hormonal balance. The cholesterol is needed for proper function of serotonin receptors in the brain. Low cholesterol levels are linked to aggressive and violent behavior, depression and suicidal tendencies. Cholesterol is also a primary ingredient for our 'repair & recovery' hormones that allow us to recover after a day of hard work and other hormones that maintain steady blood sugar levels (energy levels), proper mineral balance and blood pressure. Coconut oil also supports healthy thyroid function.

Stress Reducing Fruits - the fruits that are highest in tryptophan & tyrosine include avocado, kiwi, cranberries, raisins, guava, plantains, figs and last but certainly not least, starfruit. If some of these fruits are not part of your normal routine, then when would be the perfect time to get more variety into your diet while eating good mood foods that are also juicy and delicious.

Wild Game - Wild game, especially duck and goose, are much higher in these powerful amino acids than chicken or turkey. Elk, caribou and rabbit are the highest game meats with tryptophan. Lamb, rabbit and bison (buffalo) are game meats that are highest in tyrosine. Wild game meats are mineral rich and supply fat-soluble vitamins A and D which are catalysts for the assimilation of protein (aminos) and minerals. Vitamin D, whose only food source is animal fat, can fight fatigue, depression and SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Venison is also a high performance, nutrient dense protein that is also mineral rich and loaded with B vitamins which are necessary for energy production.

Healthy Native Americans who ate a 100% organic, grass fed diet. They had no air conditioning, no central heating systems, no Advil, no Prozac, no Tums with Calcium, no Muscle Milk and hunted wild animals. Cabeza de Vaca wrote "The men could run after a deer for an entire day without resting and without apparent fatigue. . . one man near seven feet in stature. . . runs down a buffalo on foot and slays it with his knife or lance, as he runs by its side'
Their diet was high in saturated animal fats & protein, nuts, seeds, seasonal fruits & vegetables they were a strong and robust culture that lived virtually free from modern diseases like depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

So I gave you more than 5 foods. I gave you a bunch of whole foods that will enhance your overall health, wellness, vitality, energy levels and even help you get more variety into your daily routine - all of which support you while dealing with stress. Because these foods are high specific aminos that help supply our natural pharmacy with serotonin and catecholamines, a comprehensive stress management program means not only avoiding foods & habits that are stressful, but also choosing smart foods that are supportive.


Source: Antonio Valladares, is a New York City based Nutritionist who offers Corporate Wellness & Stress Management Programs.

[malic_2]

here is another good music for relaxation.
YouTube - Yoga Sunset Chill Vol. III - Wonderful Chill out & Yoga-Music - Sample - BMP-Music - Anke Moehlmann

[Sol_Itaire]

nice thread.reading it. thanks.

[malic_2]

nice thread.reading it. thanks.

thanks Sol_Itaire. drop by anytime.

[malic_2]

Take a break from your work. tell your office mates and friends not to disturb you for 10 mins. you don't need to go to a room you can do it infront of your computer. Put on your headset and set the volume to a level where you can't be disturb by the noise outside. Just you and the music.

YouTube - The Most Relaxing Music Ever! (nearly 5 Million views) Slow down -by Paul Collier (11)

[malic_2]

easy technique massage.

YouTube - YOGA FOR NECK PAIN.

YouTube - How to do a Therapeutic Self Massage : Self Massage Techniques for Hands

[Sol_Itaire]

just wanna share this buddhist english chanting. it's relaxing, esp if one understands the meaning of emptiness.

YouTube - The Heart Sutra Buddhist Chanting (English)