Wednesday's Princess Pamper Principle

As busy business owners, employees, wives, mothers, "go-to girls", daughters, sisters, friends, super women, we often forget to take time out for ourselves to relax, de-stress, and rebuild. This week's Pamper Principle focuses on a list of things that I enjoy doing to unwind and some relaxation techniques to try in your quest to de-stress.

My favorite things to unwind:
1. Reading a frivolous chicklit book
2. Listening to jazz, classical or "quiet storm" music
3. Knitting
4. Taking a long walk
5. Soaking in a luxurious bubble bath in a candle lit bathroom
6. Baking
7. Watching romantic comedies
8. Taking a nap
9. Going to the lake
10. Going window shopping


Relaxation Techniques-St. Joseph's University Counseling and Personal Development Center

Whole Body Tension

Tense everything in your whole body; stay with that tension, and hold it as long as you can without feeling pain. Slowly release the tension and very gradually feel it leave your body. Repeat three times.

Visual Imagery

Open your imagination and focus on your breathing. As your breathing becomes calm and regular, imagine that the air comes to you as a cloud - it fills you and goes out. You may imagine the cloud to be a particular color.

Eye Fixation

With your head level and your body relaxed, pick a spot to focus on (eyes are open at this point). When ready, count five breaths backward. With each breath allow your eyes to close gradually. When you get to number one, your eyes will be closed. Focus on the feelings of relaxation.

Counting Ten Breaths Backwards

Allow yourself to feel passive and indifferent, counting each breath slowly from ten to one. With each count, allow yourself to feel heavier and more relaxed. With each exhale, allow the tension to leave your body.

Shoulder Shrug

Try to raise your shoulders up to your eyes. Hold for the count of four. Now drop your shoulders back to a normal position. Repeat three times.

Shoulder Rotation

Rotate your shoulders back, down and around, first one way, then the other. Do one shoulder, then the other. Now do both at the same time. Note: This is also good for back, arms, and neck.

Cat Stretch

Stand - feet slightly apart. Take a deep breath as you stretch arms over head. Slowly exhale as you lean forward, bringing arm and head down. Do slowly and gently five times.

Now take two of these and get a good nights rest Superwomen!