Indulge Yourself!
It's been a long day, a long week…heck, the whole month seems to be moving at a snail's pace. If you need a pick-me-up, how about some good food, relaxation, and maybe a little laughter. We've got 15 great ideas for affordable, healthy indulgences that will recharge your energy and spirit
Nibble a Piece of Dark Chocolate
Sweet, rich, with a luscious taste that lingers, few things feel as indulgent as eating dark chocolate. And the charms of this treat go beyond its silky smoothness. The "prescription": Nibble an ounce of dark chocolate each day. The healthy possibilities: lower blood pressure, increased blood flow, and improved "good" cholesterol. Now that's a luxury worth lingering over.
Scent a Room With Lavender
People have been smitten with aromatic herbs for centuries, filling pillows and pockets with them. Now research hints at what we've always suspected: Aromatherapy seems to be good for you. It may may not provide all the health benefits some essential oils makers would like you to believe, but studies show that breathing in natural perfumed scents can lift mood. So, indulge in some aromatherapy. Spritz lavender water on your pillow tonight. Pleasant dreams!
Indulge in a Kiss
You dash in the door late from work, say hello to your mate, then run off to a child's soccer practice or your book club. Wait! Stop a minute -- yes, a whole minute -- and give your spouse a really big kiss. Not only will giving your sweetheart a little sugar burn calories, but that kiss reduces stress, benefits your immune system, and boosts your bond with your spouse.
Splurge on a Fresh Tuna Steak
Give the can opener a rest and slice into a succulent tuna steak tonight. You'll not only delight tired taste buds, but you'll also give your body omega-3 fatty acids, super fats that are important to heart health and storing energy. And who doesn't need more opportunities for healthy eating? Dig in!
Get a Manicure
Those hands of yours are like busy bees. They fly over a computer keyboard, wield hammer and nails, tuck in the kids, hug your honey, scrub, brush, floss...Whew. Indulge these dedicated workers with a manicure. Like massage, a manicure involves contact with another person through touch, which not only makes you feel pampered, it may even improve self-esteem. Now that's a stress reliever.
Rent a Funny Movie
Go ahead, laugh it up -- it's good for you! Studies show that a good belly laugh takes the zap out of stress, pumps up your immunity, improves blood flow, and stabilizes blood pressure. A good chuckle may even help keep blood sugar levels down and aid digestion. Just anticipating laughter seems to reduce stress. You may start to feel better just watching the opening credits roll.
Put the Kettle On
Even in this coffee-besotted nation, the average American sips more than 9 gallons of tea a year. Part of the appeal may be tea's tension-taming powers. Research shows that folks who enjoyed four cups of black tea a day for six weeks released fewer stress hormones after a tense task than those who drank a caffeinated fruit drink. Green tea has similar benefits. So put that kettle on, pull out your favorite mug, and steep a pot of your favorite tea today.
Enjoy a Little After-Work Delight
You've sat through meetings, raced through deadlines, and after work you just want to crash. Forget the TV. Forget making dinner. Instead, try the ultimate stress reliever. Sex. Yes, sex. Studies show a little nookie lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and even raises self-esteem. Making love -- a perfect way to cap a stressful day.
Sleep, Baby, Sleep
Between a busy day of working, working out, and running errands, who has time to indulge in a good night's sleep? You do. Sleeping well tonight is not only important to ward off fatigue, it will also help you learn and make memories. The pros say most adults need seven to eight hours every night. So rest easy tonight -- your body will love you for it.
Take Time to Streeeeetch
The day got away from you, and you missed your usual workout. Not to worry. While you indulge in watching your favorite TV program after work, give your body a boost with a little stretching. Not only will stretching help ease tired muscles and increase flexibility, it improves your range of motion and circulation, and soothes away stress, too. Take it slow and hold each pose for ten seconds…then feel the relief!
Get a Chair Massage
A massage may feel like an expensive indulgence, but here's one luxury that's good for your physical and mental health. When you get a massage, your body releases endorphins, natural painkillers. A massage also reduces stress hormones, lowers anxiety, and raises your immunity. A chair massage usually costs about $1 a minute. You can get a chair massage at some malls, fairs, or office buildings. It's a quick way to shut out the surrounding chaos and let some wellness into your day.
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