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Stress Relieving Neck Stretches
Stress is the body’s response to increased physical and mental demands. The neck, which is comprised of cervical vertebrae, shock-absorbing disks, muscles and vertebral ligaments, is particularly vulnerable since physical stress brought on by poor habits, such as bad posture, teeth grinding and sleeping position, can cause muscles to tighten or tense. Even activities like reading in bed can throw the neck out of alignment, causing pain, headaches (when muscles in the neck begin to affect nerves) and possibly more serious problems. Try the following stress-relieving neck stretches to ease tension. Be sure to breathe while stretching, and stop if you feel pain, tingling, numbness or dizzy.
Your Baby at 33 Weeks
Your baby has grown incredibly over the past 33 weeks. What started out as little flutter movements have now become hard kicks and punches. She is perfectly formed, proportioned and looks like a newborn. Her lungs are still maturing. But at 33 weeks, she is proactive in developing her breathing skills. Her heart tones and position will be checked at each prenatal appointment from now until delivery.
Beginner Pilates Exercises
Pilates is a burgeoning workout trend that delivers results through brief, intense exercises. The movements and holds associated with Pilates can strengthen, tone and sculpt the body without creating bulk. Susan Sarandon and Madonna are among the celebrities who swear by the physical and mental benefits of Pilates. Beginners should consult videos or photographs of the proper positioning for doing Pilates. As a precaution for any kind of exercise, always check with your physician before beginning a new program. And, remember to protect the neck and lower back while doing abdominal work.
Benefits of Pilates Exercises
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), a not-for-profit professional organization for Pilates, points out that more Americans are practicing Pilates as a way to condition their bodies and improve their physiques. Pilates, a low-impact exercise program appropriate for women of all ages and fitness levels, involves a succession of smooth movements, which integrate both stretching and breathing exercises. Developing a pattern of slow, deliberate movements along with controlled breathing increases blood flow to the muscles providing a number of fitness benefits.
Herbal Remedies to Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Pressure. Anxiety. Tension. Worry. Stress. Whatever you call it, you know when it’s heavy on your shoulders. You might get tension headaches, feel nauseous or have anxiety attacks. Or your symptoms may be less physical and more behavioral: a constant feeling of irritation, a sense of being overwhelmed, an inability to relax, a constant need to defend yourself (which often comes out as a version of attacking others). The symptoms of stress tend to create even more stress. You may not be able to take a week-long beach vacation to get away from the sources of the stress, but you can incorporate some herbal remedies into your daily routine. Stress always exists somewhere, but learning to cope with it calmly and naturally puts you back in charge.