What

Everyone is under a lot stress. Just ask them. People are anxious about financial matters, health conditions, relationships, their job status, their work load, even the state of the environment. “I’m stressed out,” is a new way to answer the question, “How are you doing?”

Stress, when in controlled, periodic episodes is a good thing for the body. It helps to keep the muscles toned and the organs functioning properly. However, when stress becomes a regular factor in life – chronic stress – disease and abnormal health conditions can arise.

The website www.medem.com notes:
Stress can cause or worsen some of our most common killers – cancer, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. It is also directly related to other common disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, impotence and depression. In addition, the stress of illness itself can hinder recovery from almost any disease.

Does any of this sound familiar in your life? If so, maybe it’s time to learn how to lessen unwanted and unhealthy stress levels. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to lower the burden of stress on your everyday life is to engage in some form of home spa ritual several times per week. Below you will find some great recipes along with some soothing and relaxing skin care/body care products that you’ll want to keep stocked in your bathroom for those extra stressful days.

SkinMedica Relaxation Kit combines several items into one easy to carry kit. You’ll want to buy several of these – one for you (or two) and a couple more for gifts. This relaxation kit includes TNS Hydrating masque, Ceratopic Cermide Replenishing Treatment, Vitamin C Complex, Retinol Complex, Uplifting Eye Serum, Dermal Repair, an Aromatherapy candle, Lavender pillow and Relaxation Music CD.

Dermanew Facial Rejuvenation System also combines multiple de-stressing products for the ultimate in a home spa ritual.

If you find yourself without one of the above kits or something similar to it and are in need of a quick stress relieving home spa ritual, try one of the following tips to get you back on track:

  • Place a cup or so of oats into a cheesecloth and tie. Add a couple of drops of lavender oil or other soothing aromatherapy oil into a deep bath of hot/warm water. Enjoy the milky, soothing liquid that will be formed when you scrub your stressed out body with your oat bag. Be sure to put on some relaxing music, dim the lights, lock the door and allow yourself 10-15 minutes to reconnect and become centered again.
  • Brew up a cup of chamomile tea. Toss 1-2 other unused chamomile tea bags into a bath and immerse yourself in the soothing smells and taste as you drink your tea in the bath.
  • Add two drops each of the following essential oils to your bath: lavender oil, bergamot oil and cedarwood oil. Sit back and relax.