The start of something new.

Hi and welcome.

I'm so happy that you've taken the time to read my first post. Yay!

In my first post I want to tackle a huge problem: stress. Spring is a stressful season for most of us - getting into shape for the summer isn't easy.

Here are my top 7 tips for de-stressing your body and improving sleep quality:
1. Turn off the TV and computer at least one hour before bedtime. Flashing lights and exciting stuff on the internet won't make you sleep better! If you must watch TV, avoid thrillers and horror bits and focus on comedies instead.
Try creating a routine - you know it's important for children, so why not for adults as well?
2. Make sure you take enough magnesium. Magnesium aids in calming the nerves and relaxing the muscles, which in turn can help you fall asleep - low magnesium levels may cause the release of certain stress hormones in the body, which increase under stress. In short, that means that magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia. Low magnesium levels can also cause muscle cramps, disrupting sleep.
3. Use adaptogens like Rose root, Indian ginseng, Liquorice root, Holy Basil, Maca root.
An adaptogen is a plant based metabolic regulator which helps the human body to "adapt" or to "adjust" to strains and changes of daily living and normalizes the functions of bodily systems. Adaptogens increase the ability of adapting to environmental factors and to avoid damage from such factors. For example, rose root has been shown to significantly regulate sleep disorders and improve sleep quality. Adaptogens help you bounce back from a terrible flu or a killer workout!
I use maca root daily, mixed in my morning smoothie.
4. Cut down on caffeine after 4 pm. Try herbal infusions like rooibos or lemon&ginger infusion. The latter one gives you a perfect sense of warmth, I absolutely love the feeling.
5. If you have trouble falling asleep, try to wind down by stretching, reading a book or writing a diary.
6. Take a look at your workout schedule. Is there too much high paced cardio, too little strength training and no time for a calming workout like yoga, pilates, chiball, asahi or stretching? Is there simply too much of everything? When do you work out, if at all? Do you spend enough time outdoors?
If you need help balancing your workouts, contact a Personal Trainer (PT).
7. The most important one: Think positive! Challenge yourself and stop complaining for a few days. Give your face a workout and smile more! I promise you, this single tip makes the biggest difference.

Which de-stressing method works best for you?

Model: Maija. Pictures taken by me.

I'll take a closer look at a balanced diet and stress in another post.

I'll be happy to answer any of your questions, so go on and post some comments :) Since this is my first post, I really hope to get some ideas and wishes. What do you wish I write about?

Thanks for reading!

/U