Grugger’s Way

I think we all have the ability within ourselves to improve our moods and how we feel physically and emotionally.

Here are some simple methods that I recommend for making ourselves feel better.  Of course, these techniques do not take the place of medical attention for mental depression, anxiety, or physical problems such as arthritus, but even when you have serious afflictions, just being able to make yourself more comfortable, feel a little pampered, can do wonders for improving your outlook.

I love a good full-body massage.  This is something that many people avoid simply because they have never experienced a professional massage and are “nervous” about it.  You can do research online, but I recommend scheduling an appointment to DISCUSS the process, procedures, benefits, etc, with a certified massage therapist.   Just meeting the person and becoming comfortable will go a long way towards easing you into your first experience.  And it is a wonderful experience.  There are so many different types of massage that once you get into the habit, you will want to experiment with “aroma therapy,” “trigger-point,” and “hot stone” techniques.    If you want to do online research I have included a couple of hyperlinks here:   “Ten Most Popular ”   “Trigger Point“   For self-administered pressure point massage, I use what is called a “thera cane.”  I think it might be a brand name.  There are others, I know, like the “backnobber.”  One can find these for sale on the internet by searching for the words.

Warm Bath and soak.  My wife will heartily endorse this relaxation method.  Be sure to use some scented bath oil or beads.  Oh, and “bubble it up” if you want that “spa feel.”    Personally, soaking in a hot tub or a jacuzzi makes me pretty worthless for anything else for the rest of the day.  This is pretty nice when one is retired.

Leisurely stretch and yoga.  If you haven’t been in a yoga class, and just want to experience the relaxing benefits of stretching, I would recommend renting a yoga dvd or vhs tape that primarily promotes the stretching aspects.   A yoga class often makes you feel hurried, as time is limited and students are paying to learn the practice.   The most important aspect of yoga is the stretch, I think, and this is best performed (and enjoyed) in the relaxed atmosphere of home, ALONE, if possible, and with no urgent time constraints.  (I know, easier said than done.)  If the only way to get away is to go to the fitness center for yoga, you can still seek out a quiet spot away from the classroom or machinery row where you can be alone, relatively speaking.  I found a couple of carpeted areas at my club that are not used after normal working hours.  One is by the office used for fitness testing and evaluation; another is in a hallway by a storage area.

Comfort food.  No argument from me; chocolate has always been my comfort food and my dietary downfall. (Along with Trail Mix, as you may note from my previous Post, “Cookie Diet Not Working.”)  Warm drinks are terrific for relaxing too.  Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, soup, milk, and even hot water by itself, are great relaxants (be aware of caffeine contents, of course).

Meditation. Before I learned to meditate I associated it with psychics, palm readers and satanists, believe it or not.  Like a lot of my other “enlightening” experiences, I was enticed by a woman’s friendship into trying something new.   (Same as yoga, surfing, skiing, and marathon running.)   A woman I met in yoga class fourteen years ago invited me to join her in a Sunday morning meditation group.  This was a “guided” meditation, and I loved it!  I don’t participate in group or guided meditations any longer, but my private meditations are quite relaxing and satisfying.  Here is a link to a general explanation of meditation at How to Meditate.org.

And all this talk about comfort foods, relaxation, stretching and meditation has pretty much ruined me for doing much of anything else today.

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